Programme Manager

At Dalcour Maclaren, we're key players in the Utilities and Infrastructure industry, bringing the UK and Ireland closer to Net Zero every day. Our land, environmental and geospatial experts work together to unlock the consents needed by our clients to deliver key projects. Our services include land access and assembly, agricultural liaison, planning, environmental impact assessments and geospatial mapping. Join us, and play your part in helping us to achieve our vision; to be the professional services team of choice, leading the Utilities and Infrastructure industry to a sustainable future. 

We are looking for a Contract / Programme Manager to join our Bicester Water Team.

Purpose of the Role

The Contract Manager is responsible for ensuring the successful commercial and operational delivery of client contracts, in this instance, the STW contract. The role acts as the key interface between the client, operational teams, finance, and the client lead/client manager, ensuring contractual compliance, achievement of client KPIs, strong financial performance, effective risk management, and continuous improvement in commercial processes.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Performance & Client KPI Management

• Manage the day-to-day commercial performance of allocated client contracts.

• Monitor, analyse, and report against contractual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Produce client KPI reports and dashboards, ensuring accuracy, transparency, associated commentary and timely submission.

• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through KPI analysis and implement corrective actions where required.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and contract performance.

Financial Management & Analysis

• Undertake detailed financial analysis of contract performance, including revenue, WIP and PO management, debt and gross  margin performance.

• Monitor financial metrics and provide regular reporting and forecasting to the Client Manager, Client Lead and Service and Delivery Lead.

• Identify commercial trends, variances, and emerging financial risks, recommending actions to improve financial outcomes.

• Support, forecasting, and financial planning activities related to contract delivery.

• Ensure contractual entitlements are identified and maximised, including change control, variations, and additional services.

Commercial Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and manage commercial, contractual, and operational risks associated with contract delivery.

• Maintain contract risk registers and ensure mitigation plans are implemented and monitored.

• Escalate significant risks and issues appropriately, providing clear recommendations and recovery plans.

• Support the resolution of contractual disputes, claims, and commercial issues.

• Ensure contractual obligations and liabilities are understood and effectively managed across delivery teams.

Contract Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, company policies, and governance standards.

• Monitor compliance with contract terms, processes, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Provide guidance and support to operational teams to ensure consistent contractual compliance.

• Support contract mobilisation, renewals and extensions

Billing, Debtors & Cash Flow Management

• Drive improvements in billing accuracy and timeliness across all contract activities.

• Work closely with operational and finance teams to ensure work completed is accurately captured, invoiced, and recovered.

• Monitor work in progress (WIP), accrued income, outstanding invoices, and debtor performance.

• Identify and address causes of billing delays, disputes, and payment issues.

• Develop and implement actions to improve cash collection, debtor performance, and overall cash flow.

• Provide regular reporting on billing performance, aged debt and PO management.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, internal teams, and key stakeholders.

• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Resource Management, and Leadership teams to ensure aligned contract delivery.

• Support negotiations relating to contract changes, variations, extensions, and renewals.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve commercial processes, reporting, systems, and controls.

• Promote best practice in contract management, financial governance, and commercial awareness.

• Develop and implement performance improvement initiatives that enhance profitability, compliance, and client experience.

• Contribute to the development of commercial policies, procedures, and reporting frameworks.

Benefits:

• Annual bonus scheme

• 25 days annual leave plus 1 day to celebrate your birthday

• Vitality Health Membership (including Private healthcare, subsidised gym membership and other discounts)

• Flexible working through our ‘Flexible Advantage’ supporting working families & your work/life balance

• Pension Scheme via The Peoples Pension

• Life insurance (4x Base Salary)

• Free on-site parking in non-city centre offices

• Cycle to work scheme

• 26 Weeks paid Maternity Leave

• 4 Weeks paid Paternity Leave

• BHN Extras – provides discounted gift cards for hundreds of popular retailers

• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (provided by Octopus Electric Vehicles) effective at 1 years’ service

• Sabbatical Policy effective at 3 years’ service

• Professional development – paid study leave

• Military service paid leave (7.5 days per year)

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) plus wider Mental Health & Wellbeing support

• 2 x Company-wide events every year, in addition to multiple office socials throughout the year

Dalcour Maclaren is an equal opportunities employer.