Contracts Manager

The Contracts Manager plays a key role in supporting the wider subsidence and surveying team. The position involves undertaking site inspections, assisting with contract administration, ensuring CDM compliance, and contributing to the effective management of domestic and commercial buildings insurance claims. The role requires strong technical capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage a varied portfolio of work independently.

What will your day look like:

• Subsidence support: Assist the subsidence and surveying team with site inspections, technical assessments, and general case management.
• Claims management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the company’s claims management IT system.
• Repair phase oversight: Work with Regional Technical Managers to improve quality and service delivery during the repair stage of claims.
• Tender review: Review contractor tenders and report findings to Regional Technical Managers.
• Health & Safety compliance: Ensure on-site compliance with CDM legislation and site-specific safety requirements.
• Contract administration: Support with contract administration, cost analysis, valuations, and preparation of final accounts.
• Complaint handling: Manage complaints in line with company procedures and relevant legislation.
• Site visits: Visit damaged properties to assess technical and insurance requirements and oversee reinstatement works.
• Stakeholder liaison: Communicate effectively with clients, policyholders, local authorities, third parties, and internal colleagues.
• Portfolio management: Manage a regional caseload independently and support other regions when required.
• Home-based working: Maintain a suitable home office environment; attend local offices as required. A company car is provided, and a full driving licence is essential.

Assess repair requirements and prepare schedules of work. Instruct temporary or emergency works to make buildings safe. Apply knowledge of building pathology, including asbestos and damp. Interpret buildings insurance policies and relevant insurance law. Produce professional reports and technical correspondence. Specify site investigations and interpret geotechnical reports. Understand building construction and foundation systems. Obtain and assess competitive tenders. Apply Planning and Building Regulations knowledge. Comply with Health & Safety and CDM Regulations. Apply the Party Wall etc. Act where required. Administer building contracts and apply contract law principles. Manage projects on site, including valuations, variations, and payment authorisations. Demonstrate cost control and financial awareness. Use MS Office and internal systems confidently.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Surveying, or a related discipline.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and adaptable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service awareness and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Benefits:

• Career & Purpose: Davies Innovation Lab, Leadership training programme, Funding for professional qualifications, Thrive at Davies; learning opportunities.
• Environmental & Social: The Davies Foundation, Local charity funding, Pennies To Heaven, Employee Resource Groups, Employee volunteering programme.
• Financial Health: Pension, 5% employee and 5% employer contribution, My Choices at Davies provides; High Street discounts and Financial wellbeing hub, Life assurance: x4, Refer a Friend, Cycle to Work Scheme, Lease car salary sacrifice, Davies Incentive Plan, Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Mental, Physical & Emotional Wellbeing: Wellbeing centre; move, munch, money & mind focus, Discounts with 100's of UK retailers, EAP; 24/7 confidential helpline, 25 days holiday, increases to 26 days after 5 years and 27 after 10 years, Flexible working, Dress for your day, Inclusive employment policies eg. Menopause, fostering friendly, fertility, sabbatical policy and baby loss and miscarriage, Flexible benefits include; holiday purchase plan and an opportunity to purchase health cash plan and BUPA dental plan.