Contracts Manager – Utility Arb

We’re looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to lead and grow our utility arboriculture contracts. This is a key role for someone who can manage the full lifecycle of contracts—from planning and mobilisation through to delivery and completion—while ensuring quality, customer satisfaction and strong commercial performance. Experience within the utilities sector is essential for this role.

You’ll work closely with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal teams to deliver projects safely, efficiently and within budget.

What You’ll Be Doing

Contract Development & Client Relationships

• Build and maintain strong, profitable contracts within the utility sector
• Develop long-term relationships with key clients and stakeholders
• Identify new business opportunities and support contract retention and growth

Team Support & Leadership

• Provide guidance to surveyors and staff, supporting them with project delivery and operational challenges
• Share best practice and encourage collaborative working across the department

End-to-End Contract Management

• Oversee contracts from initial planning through to completion
• Ensure quality, customer satisfaction and smooth delivery at every stage
• Manage customer service and maintain high standards throughout the project lifecycle

Sourcing & Procurement

• Obtain competitive quotations for materials and subcontract services
• Work closely with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure timely procurement
• Ensure best value for both the company and the client

Budget & Financial Control

• Take ownership of contract budgets, ensuring financial targets are met
• Monitor project spend and address variances promptly
• Ensure timely invoicing across all departmental projects

Health & Safety Leadership

• Prepare and implement RAMS/work packs in line with contract and compliance requirements
• Ensure health and safety protocols are prioritised and clearly communicated
• Promote safe working practices across all teams

Resource & Training Coordination

• Coordinate plant, materials, staffing and other resources for contract delivery
• Manage short-term staffing needs using internal teams where appropriate
• Ensure all team members hold up-to-date training and certifications
• Raise training requests with HR when required

Progress Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular updates to senior management and commercial teams
• Attend departmental and management meetings
• Highlight risks, issues and opportunities proactively

Process Improvement & Leadership Contribution

• Contribute to senior management discussions on operational improvements
• Suggest and implement enhancements to processes and procedures
• Support continuous improvement across the business

Customer Focus

• Ensure all interactions with end users and members of the public are courteous and professional
• Report customer interactions to the HR Director for logging and resolution
• Champion the company’s Customer Charter

What You’ll Bring

• Strong experience in utility arboriculture or utility arb contract management
• Proven ability to manage complex contracts and deliver results
• Excellent commercial awareness and budget management skills
• Strong communication, leadership and organisational abilities
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders
• Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement

If you’re a confident contract leader with a passion for delivering safe, high‑quality and commercially successful projects, we’d love to hear from you.