Contracts Manager - Kitchens

Position: Contract Manager – Kitchens Location: Kent £35-40k Basic Salary, Plus car, phone, laptop, fuel card, pension, discretionary Christmas holiday, 28 days holiday The Company: We are excited to be exclusively working with an established independent business, renowned for offering a bespoke service in the contract kitchen market for over 40 years. As they continue to expand, they are now seeking a highly skilled Contracts Manager to join their dynamic team based at their offices in Kent. About the Role: Contracts Manager As the Contracts Manager, you will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple kitchen projects from inception to completion. You will be responsible for managing client relationships, coordinating with suppliers and subcontractors, and ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Role Overview: As a Contracts Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the successful management of kitchen installations across multiple developer sites. Your responsibilities will include overseeing site progress, liaising with developers, fitters, and operational teams, ensuring high standards of Health and Safety, and maintaining excellent relationships with clients. This is a diverse and challenging role that will require excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Key Responsibilities: * Manage each developer’s site, monitoring the progress of plots and ensuring timely call-offs from site. * Attend site meetings requested by developers, or arrange meetings with site personnel when needed. * Liaise with sites to schedule kitchen fittings and remedials, advising the Operations and Logistics Managers when deliveries are required. * Coordinate with fitters to ensure kitchens are fitted on specified dates in line with site schedules and delivery plans. * Attend pre-start site meetings to prepare for upcoming work. * Prepare method statements and RAMs (Risk Assessment Method Statements) for each site. * Ensure Health and Safety compliance on site, including quarterly RAMs reviews. * Conduct site surveys and check measures for each plot. * Perform QA inspections of all installed kitchens to ensure the highest standards are consistently maintained. * Carry out ongoing inspections, maintenance, and minor repairs to completed kitchens, including tasks like refitting plinths. * Provide regular feedback on product and process improvements. * Negotiate pricing and costing with installers, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining sufficient labour for task completion. * Foster strong relationships with existing developers to secure future business opportunities. Occasional Duties: * Assist with customer care efforts via site inspection visits. * Provide subcontract labour when required to support works. Required Attributes: * A strong willingness to learn and develop. * Capable of working independently or as part of a team. * Excellent problem-solving skills. * Proactive and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines. * Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage with clients up to director level. * A desire to join a small but growing business, with potential for career advancement. Experience: * Minimum 3-5 years of contract management experience within the housebuilding sector. * Alternatively, we would consider an experienced tradesperson (joiner, plumber, electrician) looking to progress into a managerial role. Essential Qualifications: * Clean driving licence. * CSCS card (preferred but not essential). * SSSTS certification (preferred but not essential). Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a forward-thinking company and take the next step in their career. With a competitive salary, generous benefits, and the chance to develop professionally, this role offers a great work-life balance and the potential for long-term career growth. If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role please apply online or contact Gemma Creasey at Oval Deene Recruitment