Barhale is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Mathers to Framework Manager, marking the next step in a career built on technical excellence, collaborative leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement.

From Site Engineer to Strategic Leader

Chris’ journey in civil engineering began over three decades ago, after completing his HNC at Bircham Newton Civil Engineering College. He started his career at Edmund Nuttall, gaining hands-on experience on landmark infrastructure schemes such as the M1/M621 Link Road and Hull’s flood defences.

As he progressed through roles with Costain and Amey, his experience broadened, from traditional heavy civils to include mechanical and electrical installations. Over time, Chris moved from delivering single projects to overseeing multiple schemes under Yorkshire Water’s AMP frameworks, gradually stepping into more strategic leadership roles.

“From day one at Barhale, I felt like I could help shape things,” Chris reflects. “That’s what drew me to the company. It’s big enough to deliver serious infrastructure, but flexible enough that you can make a difference.”

Barhale Journey and Project Highlights

Since joining Barhale in 2015 as a Project Manager, Chris has been instrumental in the delivery of complex civil and MEICA projects as part of the Yorkshire Water frameworks. He was soon promoted to Senior Contracts Manager and took on a key leadership role across the AMP7 programme, managing everything from commercial strategy and delivery to client liaison and team development.

One of his proudest achievements was leading the Clifton Wastewater Treatment Works scheme. “That one stood out for me,” he says. “Not just because of the technical success, but because of the way the team pulled together. It was a real example of how we can deliver differently and sustainably.”

Learning Through Challenge

Chris’ previous role also presented its challenges, particularly working within the joint venture environment. Maintaining a strong working relationship in a complex delivery model required balance, patience and persistence.

“If I could go back, I’d probably be a bit more vocal, raise concerns earlier,” he admits. “You realise over time that being forthright can help build trust too.”

As he moves into his new role, Chris has one piece of advice for his successors Nick Smith and Brian Harrold, who he believes are more than capable to be successful in their roles: “Keep communicating. Build relationships early and manage them openly—it’ll make everything else that much easier.”

Looking Ahead: AMP8 and Beyond

Now as Framework Manager, Chris is focused on setting the tone for AMP8 delivery. His priorities include getting ahead of programme pressures, addressing resource and affordability challenges and ensuring Barhale continues to deliver efficiently and innovatively.

“There is a lot to do and we’ve got some real affordability challenges ahead,” he says. “But I think the team we have and the fresh thinking coming in from people with rail and other sector experience gives us a real advantage.”

Chris’s long-standing relationship with Yorkshire Water will play a key role as he helps drive the frameworks forward. “We’ve built something solid with Yorkshire Water. It’s now about making sure we keep evolving and doing things better, smarter.”

Mark Wood, Director (Yorkshire Region) states: “Chris is a great guy to lead any team. He is a genuine person who enjoys being part of a team and is now rightly in the seat to make things happen and adopt and drive the necessary change needed to promote Barhale’s position within Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Water Framework.

Chris’s promotion follows years of patiently supporting the Barhale Enpure JV and now that we are stepping out as Barhale on our own in AMP8 it is now the time for Chris to take the reins.

Chris will be supported by an experienced team and comes at a time when we have restructured the region to ensure we have strength in depth and with people in the correct roles.”

Family, Rugby and Community

Outside of work, Chris is a proud father of two, son, 16 and daughter, 8. Much of his free time is spent supporting local grassroots sport, especially rugby. He’s a former player himself, having represented Leicestershire and the Midlands at rugby and now supports his son as part of the Wales Rugby League under 16s by taking him to training and matches across the border in Wales. He also supports his son’s local team at Kippax Welfare, where he helps to film matches and assist the coaching staff. “I love being part of the club,” he says. “It’s about giving back to the community and helping young people grow through sport.”

The Road Ahead

Reflecting on his career so far, Chris remains grounded and forward-thinking: “I’ve been lucky to work with some brilliant people. This next step is just the next part of the journey—and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”

His promotion is not only a reflection of his personal drive and experience, but also a sign of Barhale’s commitment to developing leaders from within. With Chris at the helm of the AMP8 frameworks, the business is in safe, experienced hands.