Contracts Manager

CIG is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee drylining and interior fit-out projects throughout Bristol and the South West. This is a senior operational and commercially accountable role involving the management of multiple projects from pre-construction handover through to practical completion. You will be responsible for ensuring each contract is delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.

The successful candidate will have strong technical experience in drylining, acoustic systems, carpentry and interior fit-out. You must also be commercially aware, computer literate and confident using online construction management, document control and ERP systems. Regular travel throughout Bristol and the wider South West will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple drylining and interior fit-out projects from pre-construction handover through to practical completion.
• Oversee packages including metal stud partitions, wall linings, suspended ceilings, acoustic systems, fire-rated systems, doors, ironmongery, carpentry and associated finishing works.
• Lead and manage Site Managers, Site Supervisors, subcontractors and directly employed site operatives.
• Prepare and maintain project programmes and short-term look-ahead plans, coordinating labour, materials, plant and subcontractors.
• Monitor progress, productivity, workmanship and site performance against agreed programme, quality and commercial targets.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, tender information, programmes and contractual requirements.
• Prepare, issue, respond to and close out Requests for Information (RFIs) and Technical Queries (TQs), ensuring site teams work from the latest approved information.
• Coordinate design information, technical submissions, material approvals, samples and construction details.
• Identify changes to the original scope and prepare variation orders, maintaining an accurate register and the records required to support entitlement and valuation.
• Take ownership of budgets provided by the Estimator and Commercial Director, controlling labour, materials, subcontractors, plant and associated project costs.
• Monitor actual and committed costs, maintain cost-to-complete forecasts and take corrective action where overspends or margin risks are identified.
• Work with the commercial team on valuations, applications for payment, cost-value reconciliation, variations and final accounts.
• Take operational responsibility for site health and safety, including RAMS, briefings, toolbox talks, inspections, incident reporting and corrective actions.
• Maintain high standards of quality assurance and ensure works comply with approved designs, specifications, manufacturers’ requirements, building regulations and relevant industry standards.
• Use construction management, document control and ERP systems to manage drawings, RFIs, TQs, variations, site records, costs, quality inspections and project reporting.
• Chair progress meetings, maintain effective client and contractor relationships, produce management reports and oversee snagging, handover, defects and project close-out.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous Contracts Manager experience within drylining, interior fit-out or specialist subcontracting.
• Strong technical knowledge of drylining, acoustic systems, ceilings, carpentry and associated interior packages.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, Site Managers, subcontractors and directly employed operatives.
• Strong commercial and financial-management skills, including budget control, forecasting, variation management and margin protection.
• Experience preparing and responding to RFIs and TQs, creating variation orders and maintaining accurate supporting records.
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams, with experience using Procore or similar construction management, document control and ERP systems.
• Ability to interpret construction information and communicate effectively, supported by strong leadership, organisation and problem-solving skills and a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• SMSTS, First Aid at Work and a CSCS Black Card or suitable management-level CSCS card would be advantageous.
• An NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction Management, equivalent qualification or relevant trade background would also be beneficial.

Salary and Benefits

• Basic salary of £55,000–£65,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• £5,000 annual car allowance.
• Minimum on-target bonus of £9,000 per annum, with uncapped earning potential.
• Company pension, mobile phone, laptop and opportunities for professional development and career progression.

If you are an experienced Contracts Manager with a strong background in drylining, acoustics, carpentry and interior fit-out, and can confidently manage the operational, technical, safety and financial performance of multiple projects, we would like to hear from you. Please apply with your current CV, notice period and salary expectations. CIG is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.