Contracts Manager (Tunnelling) London and the south

Location: London and South of England
Salary: Competitive (DOE)

Joseph Gallagher is the leading UK based Civil Engineering & Tunnelling sub-contractor, growing significantly in the last 40 years into an international business. We have an award-winning reputation, industry leading safety culture and have had the privilege to be a part of some of the most critical infrastructure projects taking place today. In the Middle East, we are leading the way in trenchless technology, carrying out all forms of non-disruptive, no dig construction techniques with extensive experience from long sea outfalls, Non-Disruptive Road Crossings to Oil and Gas Pipelines, understanding fully the requirements to operate in each of these sectors.

Contracts Manager

JGL is recruiting on behalf of a leading civil engineering and infrastructure contractor for an experienced Contracts Manager with a strong background in tunnelling and heavy civil engineering projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused professional who can successfully manage multiple projects while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational performance.

The Role

As a Contracts Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing project delivery from a commercial, contractual, and operational perspective. Working closely with site teams, subcontractors, clients, and senior management, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration

• Administer construction contracts and ensure contractual compliance.

• Maintain accurate project records and documentation.

• Manage contract variations, change orders, and claims.

Commercial Management

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.

• Monitor project costs and support cost control initiatives.

• Assist in the preparation and agreement of final accounts.

Project Delivery

• Oversee the successful delivery of multiple construction projects.

• Ensure works are completed to programme, budget, and required quality standards.

• Support project teams in resolving operational and commercial challenges.

Negotiation & Reporting

• Provide regular progress updates to senior management.

• Prepare and present commercial and project performance reports.

• Liaise effectively with clients, consultants, engineers, and subcontractors.

Site Management

• Manage and supervise site teams and subcontractors.

• Oversee subcontractor selection and performance.

• Ensure strict compliance with Health & Safety and Quality standards.

• Attend project meetings and drive resolution of commercial and operational issues.

• Ensure robust site records are maintained for labour, plant, materials, and resources to support cost substantiation for variations, delays, and claims.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Contracts Manager or similar role.

• Previous experience within the tunnelling or civil engineering sector.

• Experience working closely with main contractors, engineers, and project stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of contract administration and project delivery.

• Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical drawings and specifications.

• Experience carrying out site surveys.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

Desirable

• Experience working for Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 18001, and CE Marking requirements.

• Familiarity with construction software such as StrucCad, Strumis, AutoCAD, or Tekla.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Personal Attributes

• Driven, proactive, and commercially aware.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities.

• Self-disciplined, organised, and detail-oriented.

• Committed to delivering exceptional project outcomes safely and efficiently.

Company Background
The Joseph Gallagher Group is a family owned Civil Engineering business that delivers expertise whilst putting client satisfaction at the core of the business. Built on a personal reputation for honesty and quality, we understand the actions we take affect the communities and environments we operate in.

LIFE Culture
We're promoting a culture change within the industry and demonstrating initiatives to dramatically improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing. In 2014, we launched our award-winning cultural safety programme (LIFE) which is deeply embedded into the company’s DNA and core values.

Disability Confident Committed
We are a disability confident employer and we're committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to enable you to be the best you can, please contact the HR team at HR@josephgallagher.co.uk.

For more information please contact ellen.gallagher@josephgallagher.co.uk