At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee multiple residential 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.
- Other info: Join a proactive team where your ideas can shape the future of residential building.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while leading exciting new developments.
- Qualifications: Experience in property development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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.
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 Portsmouth employer: Ashbrittle Recruitment
Join a dynamic self-build developer that values innovation and hands-on leadership in the heart of London and the Home Counties. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a collaborative work culture where your expertise in managing residential schemes will be recognised and rewarded. Enjoy the unique advantage of working closely with founders to shape processes and make impactful decisions in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Contracts Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in real-time! Consider setting up a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and successes. We want to see how you’ve taken schemes from pre-construction to handover — make it visual and engaging!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK building regulations and compliance pathways. We know you’re already savvy, but being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Portsmouth
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:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that show your technical build knowledge and procurement capabilities. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your proactive, solutions-driven personality fits with our team. We want to know what makes you tick and why you’d be a great fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 confidently discuss these topics 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, particularly in managing teams and contractors. Talk about how you've influenced decisions in previous roles and how you ensure quality control and safety on-site.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share specific instances where you had to troubleshoot on-site issues. Highlight your proactive approach and how you’ve successfully managed multiple sites or projects simultaneously, as this is crucial for the role.
