Contracts Manager

Woolston, Warrington
Building Careers UK

Job Title: Contracts Manager
Location: North West
Reports To: Construction Director
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Job Overview:

Growing residential housebuilder, seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the successful delivery of fast-paced residential construction projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing design and build contracts across mixed-tenure residential developments, including social housing, affordable housing, and open market housing. This is a dynamic and fast-moving role that requires the Contracts Manager to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting tight deadlines. The individual will be expected to liaise directly with clients and internal teams to ensure the timely and successful delivery of each project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Management: Oversee and manage multiple construction contracts in a fast-paced environment, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with contractual obligations.
• Project Coordination: Act as the main point of contact for clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams, ensuring that communication is clear and effective to keep projects moving forward efficiently.
• Design and Build Expertise: Manage and oversee design and build contracts, facilitating coordination between design teams and construction teams to deliver high-quality results on time.
• Mixed Tenure Projects: Oversee a diverse portfolio of projects, including social housing, affordable housing, and open market residential developments.
• Cost and Budget Control: Monitor project budgets, track costs, and implement cost-saving measures while ensuring that quality is not compromised. Provide financial updates to senior management and clients regularly.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and address potential risks and issues, ensuring that the project timeline is adhered to and any challenges are mitigated quickly.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations across all sites. Regular site inspections and risk assessments will be required to maintain the highest safety standards.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Establish and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and local authorities. Regularly liaise with clients to provide project updates and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Reporting & Documentation: Oversee the preparation of detailed reports, including project progress, cost reports, and risk assessments. Ensure that documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and readily available for all stakeholders.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor junior team members, providing guidance and support in a fast-paced, results-driven environment. Foster a culture of collaboration, safety, and excellence.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all work meets or exceeds the company’s quality standards, from procurement to project handover.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or in a similar senior role within the residential construction industry, particularly with design and build contracts.
• Extensive experience managing mixed-tenure residential developments (social housing, affordable housing, open market housing).
• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certification required.
• A CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card holder.
• Strong experience managing multiple contracts simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, ensuring that deadlines are met without compromising quality.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC) and the procurement process.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with clients and stakeholders, ensuring project goals are met and expectations are managed.
• Solid understanding of health and safety regulations and experience implementing safety measures across multiple sites.
• IT proficiency in construction management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Aconex, Procore).
• Degree or professional qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline preferred.
• A valid driving license and willingness to travel between sites as required.

Desirable:

• Experience working with local authorities and housing associations on social and affordable housing projects.
• Have worked on large residential schemes
• Steel framework expereince
• Knowledge of sustainability certifications (e.g., BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes) and familiarity with environmental considerations in residential construction.
• Experience working with or managing subcontractors across various trades in residential construction.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance.
• Pension scheme
• Career development opportunitites
• Hholiday allowance