Contracts Manager/Director – Construction

Henley Chase

Pay: £80,000.00 – £(phone number removed) per year

Job description:

Title: Contracts Manager / Director

Salary: £80,000 – £125,000

Reports to: Managing Director

Location: UK-wide travel required

Job Purpose

To plan, organise, and deliver the construction phase of multiple commercial and retail projects in a safe, efficient manner. Ensure delivery within budget, to required building standards, and in line with agreed client timelines.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Planning and Organisation

Plan and execute all construction phase activities, including temporary works.

Manage subcontractors and labour deployment in line with detailed construction programmes.

Develop and maintain systems to support operational activities.

2. Communication

Ensure effective communication across all stakeholders involved in construction activities.

Maintain strong client liaison and coordination with external bodies (e.g. Building Control, HSE, project officers).

3. Information Management

Implement systems to ensure accurate and timely flow of information across all areas of the business.

Ensure effective communication between site teams and central operations.

Monitor and maintain systems to ensure actions are followed through.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

Conduct regular site visits across the UK to monitor progress and adherence to programme deadlines.

Manage and resolve deviations efficiently and safely, both internally and with clients.

Ensure all contract variations are recorded and authorised.

Develop systems to monitor performance against standards and take corrective action where required.

5. Financial Management

Deliver projects within agreed budgets.

Ensure efficient use of resources and cost control within area of responsibility.

6. Quality Assurance

Ensure all projects meet required building regulations and quality standards.

Consistently deliver projects to meet or exceed client expectations.

7. Health and Safety

Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and standards.

Maintain and improve health and safety systems and policies.

Promote a strong safety culture across all projects.

8. Strategy and Governance

Promote organisational values, ethics, and corporate responsibility.

Contribute to strategic planning and policy development.

9. People Management

Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams.

Manage performance, training, and development of staff.

Foster a culture of high standards and continuous improvement.

Project Scale Indicators

Number of projects: 1–10 concurrently

Project value: £75k – £1.5m

Typical duration: 2–14 weeks

Skills and Experience

Proven experience as a Senior Contracts Manager with strong leadership capability.

Extensive background in construction, particularly refurbishment and civils.

Minimum 10 years in a Contracts Manager role.

Experience managing commercial projects valued £75k–£1.5m.

Strong knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.

Proficient in programming software (e.g. MS Project, Asta Powerproject).

Experience delivering commercial/retail projects (EV charging/PFS experience beneficial but not essential).

Strong subcontractor management, procurement, and health & safety expertise.

Experience building and managing delivery teams (Contracts Managers, Site Managers, Foremen, Labour).

Full UK driving licence.

Qualifications & Training:

NVQ Level 7 (or equivalent)

CSCS Black Card

SMSTS

Temporary Works Coordinator (CITB)

Street Works Supervisor / Chapter 8 (desirable)

Technical Competencies:

Knowledge of traditional building techniques

Building regulations compliance and liaison

Risk assessments and method statements

Construction phase planning and CDM compliance

Site investigation, reporting, and issue resolution

Contract and project management, including reporting and chairing meetings

Operational Responsibilities:

Staff recruitment, training, and performance management

Subcontractor vetting and performance monitoring

Procurement of materials and utilities

Quality control, snagging, and project handover

Cost monitoring, variations, and coordination with commercial teams

Other Requirements:

Strong client relationship management

Effective coordination with consultants and stakeholders

IT literate