Construction Contracts Manager

An established and growing construction contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Contracts Manager to join its senior project delivery team.

The business has an established reputation for delivering high-quality construction and refurbishment projects, with expertise spanning high-end residential, tailored fit-out, complex foundations, multi-storey construction and bespoke building projects.

This is a senior delivery position for a Contracts Manager who can take ownership of projects across the complete construction lifecycle – from early pre-construction and design development through procurement, mobilisation, construction, completion and client handover.

The successful candidate will be commercially aware, technically strong and confident dealing directly with clients, consultants, subcontractors and project teams.

The Role

As Contracts Manager, you will oversee the successful delivery of multiple projects, working closely with the senior management, commercial and operational teams.

You will be involved from the early stages of a project, providing input into buildability, construction methodology, programme, procurement and project planning, before maintaining responsibility through to completion and handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects from initial pre-construction through to client handover.
• Provide construction and delivery input during design development and pre-construction.
• Review drawings, specifications and design information to identify buildability issues, risks and opportunities.
• Assist with construction methodology, sequencing and programme development.
• Support the estimating and commercial teams during tender and pre-construction.
• Assist with subcontractor procurement, package scopes and supply-chain selection.
• Lead project mobilisation and ensure sites are properly resourced and prepared.
• Manage and support Project Managers, Site Managers and wider project teams.
• Take responsibility for project delivery, programme, quality, health & safety and client satisfaction.
• Monitor master programmes, short-term programmes and project milestones.
• Identify potential delays and implement effective mitigation and recovery strategies.
• Coordinate subcontractors and specialist trades to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, designers, consultants and subcontractors.
• Attend and lead client, design and progress meetings.
• Monitor project performance alongside the commercial team, including variations, costs and contractual matters.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with the agreed scope, programme, specification and quality standards.
• Maintain high standards of health & safety and ensure compliance across projects.
• Oversee quality control, inspections, commissioning and snagging.
• Manage projects through practical completion, final snagging and client handover.
• Ensure all project documentation, O&M information and handover requirements are completed.
• Report regularly to senior management on project progress, commercial performance, programme, risks and opportunities.

About You

The ideal candidate will have a strong background with a main contractor or construction management business, with experience delivering complex construction projects.

High-end residential experience would be highly advantageous, particularly alongside experience in refurbishment, bespoke construction, fit-out, structural alterations or technically complex projects.

You will be a confident project leader who can manage multiple stakeholders and project teams whilst maintaining a strong focus on programme, quality, commercial performance and client relationships.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager / Senior Contracts Manager.
• Experience working for a main contractor or construction management contractor.
• Demonstrable experience leading projects from pre-construction through to client handover.
• Strong construction knowledge and understanding of buildability and construction methodology.
• Experience across refurbishment, fit-out, new build and/or complex construction projects.
• High-end residential experience is highly desirable.
• Strong programme management and project planning skills.
• Experience managing Project Managers, Site Managers and subcontractors.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project performance.
• Experience working with clients, architects, consultants and design teams.
• Good understanding of construction contracts and contractual obligations.
• Strong understanding of health & safety and quality management.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Relevant construction qualification such as HNC/HND, degree, NVQ Level 6 or equivalent would be advantageous.
• SMSTS and relevant CSCS qualification.