At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee multiple residential development projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Dynamic self-build developer focused on innovative residential schemes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a growing team where your decisions directly impact exciting new builds.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction management and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive individuals who thrive in entrepreneurial settings.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Our client is seeking an experienced Development / Contracts Manager with a strong background delivering small‑to‑medium new‑build residential schemes (6–30 units), including houses, terraces, and low‑rise apartments, ideally within London and the Home Counties. They will combine technical delivery expertise with the leadership and structure required for a growing self‑build developer.
Professional Background
- Demonstrable experience with small–medium property developers, self‑build contractors, or high‑quality residential SMEs.
- Proven track record taking schemes from pre‑construction through delivery to handover, including procurement, programming, build sequencing, and contractor management.
- Experience with both new‑build and refurbishment projects (HMO or mixed‑use beneficial).
- Strong understanding of UK building regs, planning conditions, NHBC/structural warranty requirements, CDM, and typical residential compliance pathways.
Core Responsibilities
- Full project oversight of multiple developments (e.g., 6–30 units).
- Managing programmes, site operations, procurement, contractors and subcontractors.
- Overseeing health & safety, quality control, build sequencing, and cost‑to‑complete forecasting.
- Ensuring timely delivery to budget and specification.
- Working directly with founders to refine processes, reporting lines, and operational structure.
- Strong technical build knowledge (housebuilding, RC frame or traditional methods).
- Excellent procurement and supply‑chain capability, with established industry contacts.
- Ability to troubleshoot on‑site issues quickly and practically.
- High level of organisation with strong reporting and communication skills.
- Comfortable managing multiple sites at once (2–3 concurrent).
- Thrives in a small, entrepreneurial, hands‑on environment.
Personality
- Proactive, solutions‑driven, and commercially aware.
- Not corporate — prefers SME environments where they can influence decisions.
- Able to build trust with subcontractors, design teams, and clients.
- Takes ownership of outcomes and performs well with autonomy.
Ideal Qualifications
- Construction management, building engineering, or similar degree (desirable but not essential).
- Membership of CIOB or working towards (beneficial).
Contracts Manager in Chelmsford employer: Ashbrittle Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Ashbrittle Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Contracts Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with small-to-medium residential schemes. Talk about your successes in managing projects from pre-construction to handover — they’ll want to hear it!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for roles to pop up; reach out to companies directly. Let them know you’re interested in working with them, especially if they align with your values and expertise in the self-build sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Don’t miss out on your dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Contracts Manager. Highlight your experience with small-to-medium residential schemes and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical delivery expertise and leadership skills. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully overseen projects from pre-construction to handover. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what makes you a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your experience and achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashbrittle Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those that align with the role. Be ready to explain how you managed the entire process from pre-construction to handover, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Brush Up on Regulations
Familiarise yourself with UK building regulations, planning conditions, and compliance pathways. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of these areas will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date with current standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or managed multiple sites simultaneously. Highlight your ability to build trust with subcontractors and clients, as well as how you’ve influenced decisions in a hands-on environment.
✨Be Solutions-Driven
During the interview, be ready to discuss specific instances where you had to troubleshoot on-site issues. Emphasise your proactive approach and how you take ownership of outcomes, which is crucial for a role in a growing self-build developer.