Senior Contracts Manager

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Sorbon Estates Ltd

Location: Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Type: Full-time Permanent

Sorbon Estates is a privately owned, multi award winning commercial property investor and developer with an established track record of enhancing both properties and their surrounding environments. We take pride in our diverse, continually evolving portfolio.

As part of the Shanly Group, we have built a reputation for long-term investment, entrepreneurial thinking and creating lasting value through property investment, development and asset management.

We are now looking for an experienced and commercially minded Senior Contracts Manager to join our team and take ownership of the delivery of development and refurbishment projects across our portfolio.

This is a broad and senior role, covering the full project lifecycle from feasibility, planning and design through to procurement, construction and completion. What matters most is your strong understanding of construction and property, commercial judgement and ability to take ownership of complex projects.

About the role

Working closely with the Acquisition and Estate teams, you will lead the delivery of development and refurbishment projects across our commercial and residential portfolio, including projects arising from new acquisitions.

You will have responsibility for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standards, whilst providing strong commercial and contractual oversight throughout.

Responsibilities include:

• Take full ownership of development and refurbishment projects across the portfolio and new acquisitions.
• Lead projects through planning, design development, cost planning, procurement, construction and completion.
• Support the Acquisition and Estate teams with feasibility cost plans and assessments of proposed developments.
• Select appropriate and cost-effective procurement strategies in response to project requirements and market conditions.
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts and cost control measures, ensuring expenditure remains within agreed parameters.
• Oversee contractor, supplier and consultant payments, variations, contra charges and final accounts in accordance with agreed contractual terms.
• Lead contractor selection, tendering and contract management, including managing contractual issues and disputes.
• Act as the main point of contact for contractors, ensuring they are effectively managed throughout the project.
• Appoint and manage external professional consultants, ensuring costs remain within budget and work is delivered to the required standard.
• Monitor project progress, programme, risk and compliance, providing regular reporting to the Board.
• Drive value engineering and identify cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Ensure projects comply with current building regulations, statutory requirements and relevant health and safety obligations.
• Act as the principal adviser on health and safety matters across the company, ensuring appropriate policies, procedures and practices are maintained.

About you

You will have proven experience leading commercial property development and refurbishment projects, with a strong understanding of both design and construction.

You will bring strong commercial awareness and experience managing construction costs, budgets, procurement and project delivery. You will be comfortable taking ownership of projects and making decisions that balance cost, quality, programme and long-term value.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience delivering commercial real estate development and refurbishment projects.
• Strong understanding of design and construction, with the ability to identify practical and commercially effective solutions.
• Strong commercial understanding and experience managing construction costs and project budgets.
• Thorough understanding of the JCT suite of contracts and strong contractual awareness.
• Experience managing alternative procurement methods including traditional contracting, construction management and project management.
• Strong practical knowledge of health and safety, CDM and building regulations.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, consultants and other external stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to build strong relationships while maintaining appropriate levels of control.
• Strong financial acumen, organisation and commercial judgement, with the ability to manage complex projects and report effectively to senior stakeholders.

What we offer in return

• A fulfilling culture built on long term investments and a commitment to excellence, where we encourage innovation, embrace problem-solving and initiative, uphold a strong work ethic, drive continuous improvement, and remain committed to giving back.
• Enjoy working in an impressive, modern office in the heart of beautiful Beaconsfield Old Town, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops, with excellent road links just off the M40 and a 10-minute walk from Beaconsfield train station.
• A privately-owned business with all the benefits of a financially strong company that has stood the test of time and that prioritises long-term success over short-term gains.
• Competitive salary and car allowance.
• Discretionary annual and long-term bonus schemes.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days to a max of 30 days.
• Enhanced pension scheme through salary exchange.
• Free private medical insurance and life assurance.
• Many wellbeing benefits including free weekly fitness sessions, on demand GP service, gym discounts and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discount scheme with savings across a range of sectors.
• Social events throughout the year.