Contracts Manager

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Project Lead to take full ownership of high-value construction and infrastructure projects. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle—from early-stage planning through to final handover and post-completion review. You will act as the key on-site decision-maker, driving performance, safety, quality, and profitability while managing multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities Pre-Construction & Planning Oversee the development of project schedules, execution strategies, and tender submissions. Partner with the estimating function to develop and maintain the master programme during bid stages. Direct the commercial team on major preliminary cost items, including plant, site setup, and temporary works.

Lead internal kick-off and production meetings; support resource planning alongside senior operations leadership. Manage the procurement schedule, coordinate statutory notifications, and prepare logistics and temporary works frameworks—with early health and safety planning embedded. Attend design review meetings, providing progress updates and technical insight.

Project Delivery & Execution Lead all project functions, including planning, risk management, financial performance, compliance, stakeholder relations, design coordination, and project close-out. Ensure that all project team members and supply chain partners meet required competency standards for safety, quality, and environmental performance. Coordinate consultant and subcontractor design outputs in line with contract requirements, including digital delivery where specified.

Maintain and update the Project Execution Plan, with particular emphasis on health, safety, and quality standards. Track progress against the master schedule; collaborate with site teams and subcontractors to review construction methodologies, optimise buildability, and protect the company’s contractual position through timely notices and documentation. Uphold site presentation and professional standards to reinforce the company’s reputation.

Manage information flow, document control, and reporting cycles; deliver accurate cost-to-complete forecasts and monthly performance reports. Drive towards Practical Completion, proactively resolving issues to avoid delays. Commercial & Supply Chain Management Lead the selection, onboarding, and performance monitoring of subcontractors, including pre-order and progress meetings.

Supervise the work of commercial and site management teams; monitor subcontractor output and site productivity to meet milestones. Review and authorise expenditure, subcontractor appointments, and financial controls within delegated authority levels. Project Completion & Continuous Improvement Manage the defects process through to the issuance of the Making Good Defects certificate.

Guide the commercial team on claims for loss and expense and final account settlement. Oversee final commissioning, client handover, and post-completion care. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, embedding lessons learned into future project delivery.

Conduct performance and development reviews with direct reports and support their professional growth. Candidate Profile Essential Experience & Qualifications Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management within the built environment, with a track record of successfully delivering multiple projects across different sectors. Strong technical understanding of construction principles, methodologies, and engineering practices.

Proven ability to manage project finances, risk, and commercial performance. Working knowledge of standard industry contract forms and familiarity with sustainability assessment frameworks A relevant professional qualification in construction, engineering, or a related discipline (degree or equivalent); chartered status is highly desirable. Valid Health & Safety certification.

Training or competency in Temporary Works Coordination, Excavation Safety, and permitting for works near live utilities. Demonstrated competence in Working at Heights, Scaffolding, and Lifting/Cranage operations. Familiarity with Behavioural Safety, Root Cause Analysis, and statutory requirements.

Desirable (but not essential) Formal training or proven experience in Contracts Management, Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) Personal Attributes Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to resolve conflict and motivate diverse teams. Excellent stakeholder management and communication capabilities. Analytical, methodical, and commercially minded, with a focus on delivering results.