Contracts Manager

The Opportunity

Our client is an established and ambitious SME main contractor delivering a varied portfolio of construction projects across the region.

With a turnover of up to approximately 20 million and strong potential for further growth, the business is entering an exciting stage of its development and is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to strengthen its operational team.

This is a senior role offering the opportunity to join a growing contractor where the successful individual can have a genuine influence on project delivery, operational performance and the future direction of the business.

The Contracts Manager will oversee multiple live projects, support site teams and ensure schemes are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.

The Role

The successful Contracts Manager will manage projects from pre-construction and mobilisation through to completion, handover and the defects period.

You will work closely with the directors, commercial team, Site Managers, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants to ensure each project is properly planned, resourced and delivered.

The role will involve monitoring programme performance, health and safety, quality, procurement, design coordination and commercial progress across several live schemes.

You will also act as a key point of contact for clients and consultants, attend progress meetings, resolve issues and maintain strong communication throughout the delivery process.

As part of a growing SME main contractor, you will also contribute to the development of operational procedures, reporting systems and project delivery standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the successful delivery of multiple construction projects.
• Manage schemes from pre-start and mobilisation through to completion and handover.
• Lead, support and manage Site Managers and wider project delivery teams.
• Review construction programmes and monitor progress against agreed timescales.
• Ensure projects are properly planned, resourced and coordinated.
• Work closely with the commercial team to monitor costs, procurement, variations and project performance.
• Attend and chair client, consultant, design and progress meetings.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Ensure subcontractors are appointed, coordinated and managed effectively.
• Monitor health and safety, quality and environmental performance.
• Identify programme risks, delays, design issues and operational challenges at an early stage.
• Implement practical solutions to maintain progress and performance.
• Provide regular reports to the directors on programme, resources, risks and project performance.
• Support pre-construction activities, tender reviews, project handovers and mobilisation planning.
• Contribute to the continued development of operational procedures and reporting systems.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience as a Contracts Manager, Project Manager or senior operational construction professional.
• Strong experience working within a main contractor environment.
• A proven track record of managing projects from pre-construction through to completion.
• Experience overseeing multiple live projects and site teams.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, programming, health and safety and quality management.
• Good commercial awareness and the ability to work closely with quantity surveying and procurement teams.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence dealing with clients, consultants, subcontractors and senior management.
• The ability to manage competing priorities across multiple projects.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel to sites across the region.

Relevant construction qualifications such as an HNC, HND or degree in Construction Management would be advantageous.

SMSTS, First Aid and an appropriate CSCS card would also be desirable.

The Individual

The successful Contracts Manager will be organised, proactive and commercially aware, with the confidence to take responsibility for multiple projects and delivery teams.

You will be a strong leader who can support Site Managers, build positive client relationships and drive projects forward.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working within an SME environment, where decision-making is direct and the successful individual can make a visible contribution to the continued growth and development of the business.

Package

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered, dependent upon experience.

The package may include a company vehicle or car allowance, pension contribution and additional performance-related benefits.