Contracts Manager (Main Contractor)

Ipswich, Suffolk
Prime Placement

Contracts Manager (Main Contractor) Permanent Suffolk

Position: Contracts Manager

Job term: Full-time, permanent.

Salary details: 70,000 – 80,000 DoE + Package

Location: Ipswich and surrounding areas (Site or Office – Based)

Recruiter: Prime Placement

Overview

Prime Placement is excited to partner with a well-established and reputable regional main contractor. Our client has a strong history of successfully delivering high-quality construction projects across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and public works. They are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Contracts Manager to join their team and oversee the successful delivery of their projects in Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

Job description

As a Contracts Manager, you will hold full operational and commercial responsibility for the successful delivery of construction projects across the region. This key role involves managing all aspects of the construction contracts while also overseeing the day-to-day site operations. Reporting to the Construction Director and working closely with the Quantity Surveyor, you will provide senior leadership to your site teams, ensuring all projects are completed safely, to the highest quality standards, on schedule, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project & Contract Delivery:

• • Oversee projects from tender to final account, ensuring successful completion and handover.
  • Take full responsibility for the management of construction contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC), ensuring all contractual obligations are met.
  • Develop and manage detailed project programmes, monitoring progress to ensure key milestones are achieved on schedule.
  • Ensure all works are carried out to the highest quality standards, meeting both client specifications and building regulations.

• Commercial & Financial Management:

• • Work closely with the Quantity Surveyor to manage project budgets, control costs, and maximise profitability.
  • Oversee procurement, including the selection and appointment of subcontractors and suppliers.
  • Manage commercial risks, variations, and claims to protect the company’s financial interests.
  • Prepare and present regular progress reports for the Construction Director, detailing commercial and operational performance.

• Site Operations & Health & Safety Leadership:

• • Provide senior leadership to the site management team, ensuring the day-to-day running of the site is efficient and effective.
  • Champion a culture of health and safety, ensuring strict adherence to all H&S policies, legislation, and RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements).
  • Coordinate labour, materials, and plant to ensure the site operates smoothly and without disruption.
  • Conduct regular site inspections to monitor safety, quality, and progress.

• Team & Stakeholder Management:

• • Lead, motivate, and manage site-based teams, including Site Managers, engineers, and subcontractors, to foster a collaborative working environment.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients, architects, consultants, and other key stakeholders, building and maintaining strong professional relationships.
  • Resolve any on-site issues or disputes swiftly and professionally.
  • Chair site meetings and ensure clear communication flows between all parties involved in the project.

Experience, Qualifications, Technical Requirements

Essential Requirements:

• Experience & Knowledge:

• • Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or Project Manager within the UK construction industry.
  • Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects (values 1m – 15m) simultaneously from tender to completion.
  • In-depth knowledge of standard UK construction contracts, particularly JCT and NEC forms.
  • Excellent knowledge of modern construction methods, materials, and building regulations.
  • Strong commercial awareness with experience in budgetary control, procurement, and financial reporting.

• Qualifications & Certifications:

• • Valid SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate.
  • Valid CSCS card appropriate for a management role (Black or Academically Qualified Person).
  • Valid First Aid at Work certificate.
  • Full UK Driving Licence and the right to work in the UK.

• Skills & Attributes:

• • Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent organisational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficiency with construction management software (e.g., Asta Powerproject) and site reporting tools.
  • Must be willing to travel to sites across Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

Desirable Requirements:

• A degree, HNC/HND, or NVQ in Construction Management or a related discipline.
• An advanced Health & Safety qualification, such as the NEBOSH General or Construction Certificate.
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB)
• Specific project experience in the residential, commercial, or public sectors.

Salary and Perks

• Competitive salary and package depending on experience (DoE).
• Company Car/Car Allowance.
• Bonus scheme.
• Excellent holiday allowance.
• Private Healthcare Cover.
• Enhanced company pension scheme.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• A supportive work environment.
• Structured training and progression.
• The opportunity to work on prestigious projects that set industry standards

About Prime Placement

Prime Placement is a leading recruitment agency specialising in the construction industry. We partner with reputable construction companies across East Anglia providing them with highly skilled and experienced professionals.

With over 18 years of onsite construction experience both in management and on the tools, you can trust us to understand your needs.

To apply

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter/email to (url removed)

If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact: Sam Branford on (phone number removed)

Website: (url removed)

Prime Placement believes in equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.