Job Description

Utilities Manager

Department: Utilities - South

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Crawley

Reporting To: Shaun Gray

Contract: Permanent Location: Crawley, West Sussex (with nationwide travel)
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

About Us

Vision Survey was founded in 2007 with the ambition to become the UK’s leading authority on permit to dig control. What began with humble beginnings has grown into a trusted surveying and consultancy business with over fifty dedicated staff members, proudly involved in major civil engineering projects including Tideway, HS2 and Hinkley Point.

As one of the leading survey companies in the UK, we are focused on improving the construction industry by embracing innovation and technology. We work with our clients to complete projects on time and safely. As part of the Celnor Group, we maintain a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, with our core values of Reflection, Excellence, Teamwork, and Integrity guiding everything we do.

About the Role

Come join the team as a Utilities Manager in our growing business, with exciting opportunities to work on some of the largest UK construction and infrastructure projects. With offices across the Midlands & South-East, we are continuing to expand. Our vision is to become the number one supplier of Engineering and Utility Services in the UK and our people are central to achieving this.

This role is not just about project delivery, it is about leading, developing, and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, inspire, and develop survey teams, team leaders, and site staff to deliver high performance
• Create a clear, accountable, and high-performing team culture aligned with company values
• Set clear expectations and hold individuals accountable for delivery and behaviours
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and development conversations
• Coach and support team leaders to build their own leadership capability
• Identify skills gaps and implement targeted training and development plans
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of high-quality talent
• Proactively manage performance, including addressing underperformance where required
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaged working environment

Project Delivery (Through Effective Leadership)

• Deliver projects from initiation through to completion by leading and aligning teams effectively
• Ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to agreed scope and quality standards
• Develop and maintain project programmes (including Gantt charts where required)
• Monitor progress through both project metrics and team performance indicators
• Identify risks early through team engagement and implement mitigation strategies
• Escalate issues where necessary to senior leadership

Site Leadership & Operations

• Provide visible leadership on-site, setting standards for behaviour, safety, and performance
• Coordinate field teams, subcontractors, and resources to ensure efficient delivery
• Ensure teams are equipped with the necessary tools, PPE, and access requirements
• Empower team leaders to take ownership of site operations
• Drive collaboration and communication across teams

Health, Safety & Wellbeing Leadership

• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring teams understand and take ownership of risks
• Create and review Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
• Ensure all work is carried out in line with company and legal Health & Safety requirements
• Promote wellbeing and sustainable working practices across teams

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the main point of contact for clients during project delivery
• Build strong, trusted relationships through professional and people-led engagement
• Manage expectations and provide clear, proactive communication
• Resolve issues effectively while maintaining client confidence

Supply Chain & Subcontractor Management

• Manage subcontractors and suppliers as an extension of your team
• Ensure alignment with company standards, safety expectations, and delivery quality
• Raise purchase orders and monitor subcontractor performance

Commercial & Financial Accountability

• Take ownership of project budgets and ensure delivery against agreed gross margins
• Drive efficiency and productivity through effective team leadership
• Monitor cost performance and project progress
• Provide accurate information for invoicing, applications, and financial reporting

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to company procedures and project management processes
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation
• Support internal quality and HS&E audits
• Embed accountability within teams for compliance and standards

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Proven experience in project management within utilities, surveying, or infrastructure sectors
• Strong people leadership and team development capability
• Ability to motivate, engage, and manage high-performing teams
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience creating and managing RAMS and promoting safe working practices
• Good commercial awareness, including budgets, margins, and financial performance
• SMSTS or equivalent Health & Safety qualification preferred
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary dependent on experience and provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (rising to 26 with service)
• Staff benefits package including discounts at retailers, gym memberships, and spa days
• Pension Scheme
• Private health insurance (Vitality) with rewards and virtual GP access
• Life Insurance
• Tax-free stay-away allowance and paid travel time over 1 hour
• Paid overtime (enhanced rates for nights and weekends)
• Referral Scheme of up to £1,000
• IT & Phone Package
• Recognition scheme and Service Awards
• Regular social events including AGM, Summer Event, and Christmas Event
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Every project we undertake contributes to a safer, more sustainable built environment. Be part of a team making a tangible impact on the future of infrastructure, with a culture built on learning and innovation where your ideas and expertise will play a vital role in shaping outcomes.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role.

Vision Survey is an equal opportunities employer with the aim of providing a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage suitably qualified applications regardless of race, disability, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and religion or belief.

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Important Information

Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary.

We may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people, for people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.