Framework Manager

Role: Framework Manager

Lanes Group Ltd is a leading nationwide utility services provider with c.5000 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £650 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Department

Sapphire Utility Solutions, a Lanes Group Company specialise in multiple divisions.

Welsh Water works closely with operational and delivery teams to support the maintenance, improvement, and resilience of water and wastewater infrastructure across Wales and surrounding regions.

The team delivers essential projects that enhance network performance, improve water and wastewater treatment facilities, and protect the environment, helping to provide reliable services for customers and communities while supporting long-term sustainability.

The role

This is a key leadership position within the business, responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of our Welsh Water framework. You'll lead operational teams across the region, drive performance, and ensure all activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with contractual requirements.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and the client, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, improving performance, identifying opportunities for growth, and maintaining Sapphire Utility Solutions' reputation for operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of all contractual and operational commitments across the Welsh Water framework.
• Provide strong leadership, direction, and support to regional operational and depot management teams.
• Foster a positive safety culture and ensure all works are delivered in accordance with company and client health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Maintain accountability for regional operational performance and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual, statutory, and company requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Welsh Water and key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
• Monitor and manage framework budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operational processes and delivery methods.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure operational excellence, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead performance reviews, resource planning, and workforce development activities.
• Support business development opportunities and contribute to future contract growth.

Key Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will possess a strong operational leadership background with experience managing large-scale service delivery contracts.

Experience

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Proven experience in a senior operational, framework, or contract management role.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Experience managing client relationships within a contractual environment.
• Demonstrable leadership experience across multi-site operations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to drive performance, manage change, and deliver business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Experience within the utilities, water, wastewater, civil engineering, or infrastructure sectors.
• Knowledge of Welsh Water frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Relevant management or operational qualifications.

Living the Company Values

By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow’.

Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations; this role holder is expected to:

• Leading: Acts as a role model, shaping the learning agenda and influencing change.
• Agile: Anticipates learning needs, adjusts quickly to changing operational contexts.
• Nurturing: Supports the development of others through coaching and structured development plans.
• Engaging: Inspires and motivates learners, builds trust and credibility
• Safe & Secure: Ensures all learning is aligned to safety and compliance standards.

Your Contribution to the company

• Strive to be always positive and constructive
• Adhere to all company policies
• Straight talking about the facts of the situation – open discussions are the best way to find solutions
• Help others through communicating clearly
• Deliver on commitments
• Ensure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleagues
• Deliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are ‘Stronger Together’

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion

At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world.