Return Property Services Limited

ABOUT US Since 2010, Return Property Services has delivered refurbishment projects across London and the South East in the residential, commercial and education sectors, including heritage and listed buildings. Clients include Knight Frank, JLL, Savills, The Crown Estate and Wellcome Trust. On every project we work closely with architects, M&E designers, structural, fire and temporary works engineers, and building control consultants. THE ROLE We are looking for a Contracts Manager to plan and deliver our refurbishment projects (£100k £2m) safely, on time, on budget and to a high standard. Our clients include corporate and portfolio landlords, the Great Estates, asset managers and property managers, often through their surveyors and architects acting as Contract Administrators. This is a full-time, permanent position based at our Fitzrovia office, with regular site visits. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Manage multiple projects from pre-start to handover Build and manage detailed programmes as Gantt charts in Microsoft Project Prepare site logistics plans (welfare, scaffold, access) and identify project risks Weekly report to the Directors on programme, progress, labour and quality Work with the QS on procurement, budgets and variations Survey building condition and prepare repair schedules for pricing by the QS Measure works on site, including material assessment, quantification and ordering JCT contract administration, including identifying Relevant Events and issuing delay notices Request for information (RFI) management Manage subcontractors from approval to onboarding to close out Work closely with Site Managers and Foremen delegate, support and review their daily site reports Manage client and all stakeholder relationships, and chair progress meetings Set and assess Quality Assurance standards and maintain documentation Manage site waste and environmental issues Deliver project handovers, including O&M manuals HEALTH, SAFETY & COMPLIANCE Ensure sites comply with CDM 2015 and H&S requirements Develop and manage the Construction Phase Plan (CPP), RAMS, inductions and toolbox talks Work with our H&S advisor and scaffold inspector Coordinate with all duty holders as Principal Contractor Building Safety Act duties, including the Golden Thread and Mandatory Occurrence Reporting ABOUT YOU Essential 10+ years in construction, including 5+ years as a Contracts Manager for a main contractor in London Refurbishment background (not new build) residential and commercial projects of £100k £2m Heritage, traditional and modern buildings experience Experienced in complex projects multi-unit, mixed use, façades, roofs, party walls and below-ground drainage CSCS Black (Manager) card with NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction Management, or equivalent Asbestos Awareness Sound knowledge of CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022 Experience in the JCT contract suite, including contractor s design Highly proficient in Microsoft Project, producing detailed Gantt chart programmes Confident with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and spreadsheets Capable of reading and interpreting drawings and specifications, and spotting what won t work in practice Experience in estimating, material assessment and quantification Experienced and comfortable working with architects, M&E designers, structural, fire and temporary works engineers, and building control consultants A high-level communicator who is comfortable and confident managing multiple project stakeholders client, contract administrator, property managers, residents and neighbours Knowledge of internal works (MEP, fire, ceilings, dry lining, finishes) and external works (roofing, masonry, façades, scaffolding) Valid driving licence and comfortable working at height Construction intelligence and application Desirable MCIOB First Aid Monday software and AI tools Skills and attributes Leadership motivates site teams and gives clients confidence Ownership high standards and takes responsibility for decisions Organisation prioritises well and stays calm under pressure Communication clear and diplomatic with clients, consultants and site teams Risk awareness spots a small problem early and acts on it before it becomes a big one Problem solving practical, and gets the job done with the resources available Commercial awareness strong numeracy, quantities, variations, and markup vs margin WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary, negotiable on experience 28 days holiday including bank holidays, plus Christmas shutdown and long service days Workplace pension Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured) Office in Fitzrovia, central London