Contracts Manager / Estimator in Horsham

We are looking for a Contracts Manager / Estimator who will be responsible for overseeing the Inspired Works Southern Team, delivering repairs and maintenance works across the Inspired Villages portfolio to maintain and prolong the life of our villages. This role operates across multiple sites in the South of the UK, with regular travel being a key requirement. The role combines both commercial and operational responsibilities, including estimating a wide range of works, managing contracts, assisting with the planning and coordination of work schedules, and ensuring all works are delivered to the required standards and in line with current best practice. You will also be responsible for ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company procedures.

Inspired Villages is a leading UK provider of purpose-built later living communities, creating environments where residents can live independently, stay active, and feel part of a thriving community. Our villages are thoughtfully designed, high-quality spaces that place customer experience, safety, and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

The Role

As Inspired Works Manager – South, you will play a key role in the successful delivery of repairs, maintenance, and improvement works across the Inspired Villages portfolio. Your responsibilities will include:

• Prepare Accurate Quotations: Analyse requirements and specifications to produce accurate and detailed quotations, covering labour, materials, time, and equipment costs across a range of services.
• Site Assessments: Conduct and review site visits where required to fully understand project requirements, identify potential challenges, and ensure estimates accurately reflect on‑site conditions.
• Costing and Pricing: Research and source materials to achieve competitive pricing, ensuring margins align with the company’s profitability targets while balancing operational and client needs.
• Collaborative Working: Work closely with operations, field teams, and service management to ensure quotations and work programmes align with available resources, capacity, and company standards.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure all works are delivered in full compliance with health and safety legislation, regulations, and company policies.
• Quality Control: Implement, monitor, and maintain quality control measures to ensure all works meet required standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Risk Management: Identify potential project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies to minimise disruption, delays, and cost impacts.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including progress reports, cost tracking, variations, and change orders.
• Environmental Compliance: Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and actively promote environmentally responsible and sustainable working practices.
• Customer & Community Relations: Build and maintain positive relationships with village management teams and the wider village community, addressing concerns professionally and ensuring work aligns with company expectations.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and service delivery, implementing best practice to enhance overall project outcomes.

Key Requirements

• Demonstrable experience and a genuine passion for delivering high levels of service within a management or team‑leading role, ideally gained in a residential or commercial property environment.
• Strong IT skills with proven competence in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and SharePoint, alongside confidence using other digital and online tools.
• Proven experience in estimating and cost planning, preferably within property management, facilities maintenance, repairs, or a related sector.
• Experience in leading, managing, and developing teams, with the ability to motivate others and drive performance.
• A relevant technical qualification or the ability to clearly demonstrate a sound working knowledge of Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) systems.
• Experience of budget management, including budgeting, cost control, and financial oversight to ensure work is delivered efficiently and within agreed parameters.

The Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Car allowance or company van
• Giving Something Back – up to 3 additional days’ paid leave per year for charity or voluntary work
• Big birthdays off (those ending in a 0)
• Medicash health plan
• Enhanced family and sickness benefits
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance at 4x your annual salary
• 5% matched pension scheme
• Access to SMART technology
• Retail discounts across a wide range of outlets
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric car scheme
• Access to an inspiring workspace, including a gym, social areas, and on‑site parking

At Inspired Villages, we welcome everyone, regardless of background, to be part of our thriving community. Here, you will be included, involved, and inspired to bring your unique talents to life. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, where individuality is celebrated and you are encouraged to be your best every day.