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: Ideal for proactive individuals who thrive in entrepreneurial settings.
- Why this job: Join a growing team where your expertise directly impacts exciting new builds.
- Qualifications: Experience in property development and strong project management skills required.
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 Southampton 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 that prioritises quality and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those involving small-to-medium residential schemes. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in managing multiple developments and ensuring compliance with UK building regulations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with small-to-medium residential schemes. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our client’s needs. Mention specific skills like procurement and contractor management that relate directly to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:We’re looking for someone with strong technical build knowledge. In your application, make sure to mention your understanding of UK building regulations and any relevant certifications you hold, like SMSTS or CSCS.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly from our site!
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 relevant to residential schemes. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date with industry standards.
✨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 Proactive and Solutions-Driven
During the interview, convey your proactive nature by discussing specific instances where you identified potential issues and implemented solutions. This will resonate well with the company's preference for someone who takes ownership and can influence decisions in an SME setting.
