Contract/Project Manager

Location: Wiltshire
Start Date: Ideally 17th November
Contract Type: Freelance (Inside IR35)
We're seeking an experienced Project / Contract Manager to join the operational delivery team supporting the Wiltshire Highways network. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of highway maintenance and improvement works across the region.
As Project / Contract Manager, you'll oversee the full lifecycle of multiple schemes-from planning and resource allocation through to execution and completion-ensuring all works are delivered to the highest safety, performance, and commercial standards.

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  Service Delivery: Manage the delivery of all highways works in line with contract requirements, ensuring quality, productivity, and value for money.
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  Operational Planning: Lead the planning, programming, and coordination of works, efficiently allocating resources and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.
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  Safety Leadership: Champion a strong safety culture, working with SHEQ teams to embed best practice in health, safety, environment, and sustainability.
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  Commercial Management: Take ownership of commercial performance, managing budgets, forecasts, and cost control in partnership with commercial and finance teams.
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  Process & Performance: Promote operational excellence and continuous improvement across all activities, including participation in winter maintenance programmes.
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  Fleet & Transport Compliance: Ensure all fleet, plant, and driver documentation is accurate and compliant with regulations.
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  Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, driving service excellence and KPI performance.
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  People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop teams to achieve performance targets, ensuring clear communication and a culture of accountability.
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  Supply Chain Management: Manage and monitor subcontractors and supply chain partners to ensure safety, quality, and delivery standards are met.
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  Additional Duties: Support wider operational initiatives and projects as directed.

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  Proven experience as a Project or Contract Manager in highways maintenance, civil engineering, or infrastructure delivery.
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  Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and manage performance effectively.
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  Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills-both written and verbal.
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  Commercially astute with solid understanding of cost control and project financials.
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  Committed to safety, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement.
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  Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple workstreams.
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  Full UK driving licence and SMSTS certification essential.