At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee multiple residential development projects from start to finish.
- Company: Dynamic self-build developer focused on innovative residential schemes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on environment, and opportunities for influence.
- Other info: Join a proactive team where your ideas matter and career growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while managing exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction management and strong organisational skills.
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 Waltham Abbey employer: Ashbrittle
Our client offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Contracts Managers, where your expertise in delivering residential schemes will be valued and nurtured. With a focus on professional growth, you will have the opportunity to lead projects in London and the Home Counties, collaborating closely with founders to shape processes and drive success. The company fosters a hands-on culture that encourages innovation and autonomy, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the self-build sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Waltham Abbey
✨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, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience with small-to-medium residential schemes. Share specific examples of projects you've managed from pre-construction to handover, and how you tackled challenges along the way.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Instead of just waiting for job postings, reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in working with them and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed by the hiring team. So, what are you waiting for? Get applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Waltham Abbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. 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 build knowledge and procurement capabilities. Mention specific examples where you've successfully managed multiple sites or tackled on-site issues. This will help us see your hands-on experience!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. Outline your key achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications.
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, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashbrittle
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can discuss your past 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 confidently discuss these topics will show that you have the technical knowledge required for the role.
✨Demonstrate 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 ensure quality control and health & safety on site.
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
Since the company values a hands-on, SME environment, be ready to share instances where you've taken ownership of outcomes and made impactful decisions. This will demonstrate that you're proactive and solutions-driven, which is exactly what they're looking for.
