Contracts Manager - Construction

About the Role

Our client is a respected contractor known for delivering high-quality, complex refurbishment projects across the leisure sector. They are looking for an experienced and dynamic Contracts Manager to join their team, based in Epping, Essex.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the profitable and safe delivery of multiple heavy refurbishment projects concurrently, primarily focusing on leisure centres, swimming pools, and associated facilities. This is a critical leadership role, ensuring operational excellence from pre-construction through to final handover and defects management.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Oversee Multiple Projects: Be the senior point of contact, providing strategic direction and operational oversight for 3-5 concurrent projects in the leisure facility refurbishment sector.

• Programme Management: Develop, monitor, and drive master construction programmes, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Site Management Support: Mentor, manage, and lead Site Managers and their teams, conducting regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and compliance.

• HSEQ Excellence: Uphold and champion the highest standards of Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality (HSEQ) across all sites, ensuring full compliance with all regulations.

Commercial & Contractual Management

• Financial Control: Take full ownership of the commercial performance of contracts, including monitoring costs, managing variations, producing accurate value reports, and overseeing cash flow forecasts.

• Client & Stakeholder Relations: Act as the main point of contact for clients, architects, and design teams, ensuring clear communication, professional negotiation, and effective resolution of contractual matters and disputes (JCT/NEC experience highly desirable).

• Procurement & Subcontractors: Oversee the procurement process, including selecting, managing, and chairing pre-let meetings with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Reporting: Provide detailed, accurate, and timely project reports and updates to the Senior Leadership Team on all key performance indicators, risks, and opportunities.

Skills and Experience Required

• Proven Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager role within the UK construction industry.

• Sector Expertise: Demonstrable track record of successfully delivering heavy refurbishment projects, ideally within the leisure, commercial, or public facilities sectors.

• Contractual Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of standard forms of contract (e.g., JCT and/or NEC).

• Leadership: Excellent leadership, people management, and motivational skills with the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.

• Commercial Acumen: Highly developed commercial awareness and financial management skills.

• Qualifications: Relevant construction management qualification (e.g., HNC/HND or Degree) and up-to-date relevant Health & Safety certification (e.g., SMSTS).

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: 65,000 - 75,000 DOE

• Generous Package: Company vehicle/allowance, pension contribution

• Location: Based in Epping, Essex, with travel across the portfolio of sites.

• Career Development: Opportunities for continuous professional development and progression within a growing business.

To Apply: Please submit your CV detailing your experience in the leisure refurbishment sector and your success in managing multiple projects.