At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting retail and commercial fit-out projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a top interior fit-out contractor with a focus on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company benefits, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for growth in a forward-thinking company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management within construction or fit-out, strong communication skills.
Fit Out UK is a leading interior fit-out contractor specialising in high-quality projects across the Retail sector. With offices in London and Yorkshire, we deliver exceptional spaces that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and profitability. We are now looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to join our growing team and take full ownership of exciting retail and commercial fit-out projects from inception through to successful handover.
The Role
As Contracts Manager / Project Manager you will be the overall lead for specific projects, reporting to the Workstream Manager. You will manage site managers, direct labour, and subcontractors while collaborating closely with internal teams including Cost Management, M&E, Procurement, Design, and Installation. You will have end-to-end responsibility for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality — always in line with our company ethos and reputation. A strong focus on profitability, regulatory compliance, health & safety, and client satisfaction is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend management meetings and client calls, producing and distributing minutes and actions
- Scope works with clients and brief the cost management team
- Support procurement, provisional sums, and material requisitions
- Arrange surveys, obtain drawings, and manage the pre-construction process
- Prepare and track project programmes, risk registers, and variations
- Manage RFIs, changes, and ensure compliance with building regulations, best practice, BREEAM, and health & safety requirements
- Engage and coordinate site teams, subcontractors, and internal departments
- Oversee on-site delivery, self-snagging, quality control, and progress reporting
- Manage snagging lists, O&M documentation, Regulation 38 files, fire compliance, and project close-out
- Support final account preparation and ensure all handover requirements are met within SLA
- Proactively report risks, programme changes, and progress to senior stakeholders
The role may include additional duties as required to ensure successful project delivery.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in contracts / project management within the construction or fit-out industry
- Strong background in retail and/or commercial fit-out projects
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Basic working knowledge of MS Project
- Excellent communication, organisation, and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to manage profitability, quality, and compliance on live projects
Desirable:
- Experience working in live retail/leisure environments
- Knowledge of BREEAM and sustainability requirements
What We Offer
We offer a competitive salary / freelance day rate / company benefits, and the opportunity to work on varied, high-profile projects with a supportive and experienced team. This is a great chance to progress your career with an established and growing fit-out contractor.
Ready to take the next step in your Contracts Management career? If you have solid experience managing retail and commercial fit-out projects and want to join a forward-thinking company that values delivery, quality, and profitability, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted promptly for an initial discussion. We look forward to receiving your application.
Project Manager / Contracts Manager in London employer: Fit Out UK
Fit Out UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic work culture. With a focus on delivering high-quality retail fit-out projects, employees benefit from competitive salaries, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to work on prestigious projects that enhance their skills and career progression. Located in vibrant London and Yorkshire, our company fosters a collaborative atmosphere where innovation and quality are at the forefront of everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager / Contracts Manager in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Fit Out UK, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Manager / Contracts Manager at Fit Out UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager / Contracts Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fit Out UK
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
