Works Manager / Contracts Manager

JOB OVERVIEW

This is an opportunity to take ownership of varied, essential works across a fast-paced operational environment.

The Works Manager / Contracts Manager will coordinate safe, compliant and efficient delivery across multiple sites while supporting teams with clear plans, resources and direction.

Working closely with clients, contractors and internal teams, the Works Manager / Contracts Manager will help keep programmes on track, costs controlled and standards high.

Regular site involvement gives the Works Manager / Contracts Manager a direct role in scoping works, resolving operational issues and maintaining professional service.

DUTIES

• Site Delivery and Scoping: Oversee arboriculture, de-vegetation and vegetation-management works, visit sites, assess conditions and produce accurate scopes
• RAMS and Compliance: Prepare, review and monitor risk assessments and method statements, ensuring authorised controls are implemented
• Resource Planning: Coordinate labour, plant, vehicles and specialist equipment across multiple live projects
• Rotas and Coverage: Maintain operational rotas, managing holidays, sickness and unforeseen changes, including day, night and highway-closure works where required
• Audits and Inspections: Check health and safety, environmental compliance, quality, site requirements and safe systems of work
• Team Leadership: Direct and support frontline employees through clear communication, appraisals, absence management and workforce planning
• Recruitment and Training: Support recruitment and onboarding, identify skills gaps and coordinate operational training with relevant internal teams
• Contract Performance: Monitor programme, budget and client requirements, taking corrective action when operational issues arise
• Stakeholder Liaison: Work professionally with clients, principal contractors, traffic-management providers, road users and the public
• Plant and Fleet Compliance: Support the maintenance and compliance of vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment
• Procurement and Systems: Procure materials, tools and services and raise accurate purchase orders through Procore
• Timesheet Control: Review and approve employee timesheets accurately and on time

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• ESSENTIAL
• Previous experience in works, contracts or operations management, supervision or a similar operational leadership role
• Strong practical knowledge of arboriculture, tree surgery, site clearance or vegetation-management operations
• Experience delivering works within highways or another safety-critical environment
• Thorough understanding of health and safety, environmental responsibilities, RAMS and site compliance
• Experience managing field-based teams, rotas, resources, plant and equipment
• Ability to inspect sites and scope works accurately
• Strong planning, organisation and problem-solving skills
• Confident communication with clients, contractors, operational teams and members of the public
• Good commercial awareness with an understanding of contract and cost control
• Competence using digital operational systems
• Calm, practical and solutions-focused approach
• Full UK driving licence
• DESIRABLE
• Relevant arboriculture, forestry or land-based qualification
• National Highways Passport or previous National Highways contract experience
• NPTC, LANTRA or equivalent industry certification
• SMSTS, SSSTS, IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent safety qualification
• CSCS or another appropriate competence card
• Experience coordinating traffic management and working within highway closures
• Knowledge of ecological constraints affecting vegetation-clearance works
• First Aid at Work or Forestry First Aid
• Procore experience