Contracts Manager (Repairs)

Location: Hybrid - Home Working / Craven Arms

Salary: £51,927.91 per annum

We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to play a pivotal role within our Property Directorate, leading the management, performance and financial control of a large portfolio of subcontractors delivering responsive repairs, empty homes (voids) and healthy homes services across our housing portfolio. Working closely with the Repairs, Voids and Healthy Homes Managers, you will ensure contractors deliver high-quality services that are customer-focused, compliant, provide value for money and meet agreed contractual obligations and performance standards.

This is a varied and influential role where you will oversee contractor performance, manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, resolve contractual issues and contribute to the delivery of safe, secure and well-maintained homes for our customers.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing repairs and maintenance contracts across responsive repairs, voids and healthy homes workstreams.
• Monitoring contractor performance through KPIs, SLAs, audits and regular operational review meetings.
• Leading performance management activities, including formal improvement plans and notices when required.
• Ensuring the timely receipt and accurate management of contract data, documentation and job status information.
• Managing work variations and ensuring all changes are controlled in line with agreed processes.
• Overseeing workstream budgets, contractor valuations and schedules of rates to ensure value for money and prevent contract drift.
• Monitoring expenditure against budget and supporting forecasting activities.
• Acting as the lead for contract disputes, claims and adjudication preparation.
• Ensuring contractors operate in compliance with contractual obligations, health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Reviewing risk assessments and method statements and ensuring compliance with CDM regulations.
• Building effective relationships with contractors, consultants and internal stakeholders to drive operational excellence.
• Supporting service improvement initiatives focused on customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance and asset preservation.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced contracts professional with a strong background in property repairs and maintenance, ideally within the social housing sector. You'll have:

• Significant experience managing repairs and maintenance contracts.
• Strong contractor and performance management experience.
• Experience delivering responsive repairs and void services.
• Budget management and financial oversight experience.
• A thorough understanding of contract management principles and construction contract law.
• Knowledge of social housing regulation, Decent Homes Standards and current Homes England requirements.
• A strong technical understanding of building construction and building regulations.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation, including CDM requirements.
• Understanding of Awaab's Law and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under pressure.

Qualifications

Essential qualifications include: Building Maintenance or Construction Degree, OND, HNC/HND or equivalent. Professional qualification (or working towards), such as RICS, CIOB, RIBA or equivalent. NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health.