ITS VMS Contracts Manager
Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
Purpose of the role
At Colas Ltd, we deliver sustainable transport infrastructure that keeps the UK moving. We are currently looking for an experienced ITS VMS Contracts Manager to join our Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) team, based at our Grantham office, NG31 7LG. This role will lead the delivery of Variable Message Sign (VMS) contracts and projects across the UK, primarily supporting works on the National Highways Strategic Road Network.
You will play a key role in managing VMS programmes, working closely with our long-standing European supply partners and internal teams to deliver high-quality ITS technology solutions across the network.
Main Responsibilities
As ITS VMS Contracts Manager, you will be responsible for managing the successful delivery of VMS contracts and projects nationwide. This includes overseeing the development, supply and installation of VMS equipment while ensuring compliance with relevant technical specifications, safety standards and contractual requirements. You will work closely with clients, internal teams and supply partners to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with commercial objectives.
The role also involves managing NEC3/NEC4 contract requirements, attending client meetings, producing regular performance reports and ensuring compliance with CDM regulations and National Highways Sector Schemes. You will collaborate with the commercial team to monitor financial performance, manage costs, work in progress and billing, while supporting subcontractor selection and driving continuous improvement across the VMS workstream.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience managing high-value ITS or infrastructure technology contracts and a strong understanding of working on the Strategic Road Network. Experience delivering VMS or similar intelligent transport technology from concept through to installation would be highly beneficial.
You will also bring strong stakeholder management skills, financial awareness and experience working with NEC contracts. A proactive and solutions-focused approach is key, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and build effective relationships with clients, supply partners and colleagues. Flexibility to travel nationally, and occasionally internationally, will be required.
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- A market-competitive salary and benefits package (dependent on experience)
- Company Car / Car Allowance is included in the package
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
- Ongoing personal / professional development
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
Screen readers cannot read the following searchable map.
Follow this link to reach our Job Search page to search for available jobs in a more accessible format.