Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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.
- Why this job: Join a growing company where your decisions directly impact exciting residential projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction management and strong organisational skills are essential.
- 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.
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 in Essex employer: Ashbrittle Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Ashbrittle Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the construction and property development sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to connect with potential employers and showcase your expertise in managing residential schemes.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your projects! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your successful developments, including details on procurement, programming, and contractor management. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in working with them and how your skills can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities tailored for professionals like you. Make sure to keep an eye on our listings and apply directly to increase your chances of landing that Contracts Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your background in managing small-to-medium residential schemes. We want to see your proven track record, so don’t hold back on detailing your experience with procurement, programming, and contractor management.
Be Specific About Your Skills: When you’re listing your skills, be specific about your technical build knowledge and any relevant qualifications. We love seeing candidates who can troubleshoot on-site issues and have a strong understanding of UK building regulations.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the core responsibilities and competencies mentioned in the job description. Show us how you fit into our entrepreneurial environment and how you can influence decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashbrittle Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can discuss your previous projects in detail. 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 discuss these confidently will show that you have the technical knowledge required for the role and can navigate the complexities of residential development.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership abilities, especially in managing multiple sites or teams. Talk about how you've influenced decisions in a small, entrepreneurial environment and how you build trust with subcontractors and clients.
✨Be Solutions-Driven
During the interview, be ready to discuss specific on-site issues you've encountered and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to troubleshoot effectively, which is crucial for a Contracts Manager.
