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 in London and the Home Counties.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a hands-on work environment.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive individuals who thrive in entrepreneurial settings.
- Why this job: Join a growing company where your expertise directly influences exciting residential projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction management and strong technical build knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
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.
Skills & Competencies
- 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).
- SMSTS, First Aid, CSCS (site‑level competency).
- Membership of CIOB or working towards (beneficial).
Contracts Manager employer: Ashbrittle Recruitment
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment that empowers Contracts Managers to take ownership of their projects and influence key decisions. With a strong focus on employee growth, they provide opportunities for professional development within the thriving residential construction sector in London and the Home Counties. The company values a collaborative culture, ensuring that every team member contributes to the success of innovative self-build developments while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that prioritises health and safety, quality control, and timely delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local construction events, join relevant 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 specific projects you've managed and how you tackled challenges. We want to see that hands-on experience shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in working with them and share how your background aligns with their needs. We love seeing candidates take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. So, don’t hesitate—get your application in today!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in managing small-to-medium residential schemes and any relevant qualifications that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Contracts Manager role. Share examples of your past successes in project oversight and how you’ve tackled challenges in similar environments.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:We want to see your understanding of UK building regulations and compliance pathways. Be sure to mention any specific projects where you've applied this knowledge, especially if they involved new builds or refurbishments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 NHBC requirements and CDM regulations will show that you're not just technically savvy but also aware of the legal landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or managed multiple sites simultaneously. Discuss your approach to procurement and contractor management, and how you ensure quality control and health & safety on-site. This will highlight your ability to thrive 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 nature and how you take ownership of outcomes. This will resonate well with companies looking for someone who can influence decisions in an SME setting.
