Contracts Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager / Labour Supply Manager to lead delivery of a safety-critical labour provision on a large rail framework covering multiple routes in the Southern region. This operationally focused role owns mobilisation and steady-state supply of safety-critical staff into Tier-1 contractors and rail clients, balancing delivery, compliance, commercial performance and growth. The role is based from an office in North London with a regular presence at the rail hub (Central London) and flexibility for home working.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and develop delivery of safety-critical labour across a major rail framework, supplying skilled resources to Tier-1 contractors and rail clients.

  • Own day-to-day account management, building strong relationships with clients, route stakeholders and co-suppliers.

  • Manage end-to-end labour supply including demand forecasting, recruitment, onboarding, competence management, rostering and mobilisation for possessions and planned works.

  • Ensure all safety-critical personnel meet competence, gating, RAMS and regulatory requirements at all times.

  • Drive commercial performance, delivering agreed sales, margin and profitability targets while managing timesheet reconciliation, invoicing and contract variations.

  • Lead, coach and develop the labour operations team (back-office and site-based), setting clear performance expectations and maintaining high standards.

  • Implement and maintain effective systems for competence management, timesheets, rostering and performance reporting.

  • Identify and support business growth opportunities across the framework and adjacent routes.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Proven experience in labour supply within rail civils or a closely related safety-critical environment.

  • Experience managing framework contracts or large client accounts within a Tier-1 contractor setting.

  • Strong commercial awareness with experience of P&L ownership, pricing and margin control.

  • Demonstrable success recruiting, mobilising and retaining safety-critical rail operatives for possession-based work.

  • Working knowledge of competence and gating requirements (e.g. PTS, COSS, signaller environments).

  • Strong leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.

  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, target-driven environment with flexibility for out-of-hours and possession work.

  • Full UK driving licence desirable.

Benefits:

  • Performance-related bonus

  • Company car or car allowance

  • Hybrid working (office, site and home)

  • Clear progression opportunities, including potential to lead a wider safety-critical labour business

If you have proven safety-critical rail labour supply experience and can lead delivery on a large rail framework, please apply now.

Cookies on this website
We need to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you wish you can restrict or block cookies by changing your browser setting. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website.