Contracts Manager - South East England

Contracts Manager - South East England Full Time / Permanent

Contracts Manager

Location: South East England (home-based with regular site presence across the region)

Reports To: Managing Director

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Anticipated

Start Date:

1st September 2026

Wicksteed Leisure has been designing and manufacturing children’s playgrounds, outdoor gyms and multi‑use games areas since 1918. Established in 1876, we are one of the most experienced and trusted names in the UK play industry. With over 100 years of delivering play solutions, we combine heritage craftsmanship with modern design to create safe, inspiring outdoor environments for communities across the country.

This position has arisen due to the retirement of a long‑standing team member — It is a rare opportunity to join a market‑leading company and make a significant role your own, managing a portfolio of projects across South East England as part of a UK‑wide contracts team.

As Contracts Manager you will take full ownership of project delivery — from sales handover through to site completion. You will lead subcontractor relationships, manage customer expectations, and ensure every installation is completed safely, on time, and within budget. You will be the primary point of contact for customers throughout the construction phase, embodying Wicksteed’s commitment to quality and service.

• Own the end‑to‑end delivery of playground and outdoor gym contracts from order receipt to final sign‑off.
• Develop and maintain detailed project programmes, tracking progress and proactively managing risks to schedule and budget.
• Conduct and assist with site surveys, setting out sites in line with detailed drawings and client requirements.
• Ensure all installations comply with current BS EN standards and Wicksteed specifications.

• Identify, vet and onboard new subcontractors to support regional growth.
• Appoint, brief and supervise subcontractors carrying out installations and groundworks.
• Issue and manage all pre‑commencement documentation including Method Statements and Risk Assessments (RAMS).
• Monitor subcontractor performance and quality, taking corrective action where required.

• Serve as the main client contact throughout the construction phase, providing regular updates via telephone, email, virtual and in‑person meetings.
• Manage and align client expectations at every stage, resolving issues promptly to maintain satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with Area Sales Managers to ensure seamless handover and consistent client experience.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and best practice.
• Ensure full compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, including coordination of pre‑construction information and maintenance of the health and safety file.
• Prepare, review and issue RAMS, ensuring all site activities are conducted safely and legally.
• Uphold Wicksteed’s zero‑harm culture across all sites and subcontractor activities.

• Proven experience in contracts or project management within construction, installation or a related outdoor environment.
• Strong working knowledge of construction practices including groundworks, levels, drainage and landscaping.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, subcontractors and internal teams.
• Skilled negotiator able to secure best value from contractors and suppliers without compromising quality or safety.
• Customer‑centric mindset with a consistent focus on satisfaction and quality outcomes.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Self‑motivated and able to work on own initiative, whilst contributing effectively as part of a wider UK contracts team.
• Strong work ethic with a proactive, can‑do approach to problem solving and delivery.
• Flexible and willing to travel across the South East, with overnight stays as required.

• Previous experience in the playground, outdoor leisure or landscape construction sector.
• SMSTS qualification…