Contracts Manager - Southern in Ringwood

Knights Brown is not just a company but a community where ambition and job satisfaction align perfectly. Our core values are at the heart of everything we do, crafting an environment where employees don’t just work for us; they grow with us, creating careers that reflect their passions and aspirations. At Knights Brown, you’re not just joining a company; you’re becoming part of a family that values your well-being, celebrates your achievements, and supports your growth every step of the way.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the UK’s fastest growing contractors as a Contract Manager based in the Southern region (within 1.5 hr of Ringwood). Dynamic and entrepreneurial, this company is a great fit if you’re looking to work in a supportive but ambitious environment with clear career progression and proactive employee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead our project teams ensuring projects are delivered successfully, relationships with our customers enhanced and priorities achieved to meet our business objectives.
• Contribute to our business priorities and support its achievement through your teams.
• Assist business development activities to establish and maintain effective relationships within the market.
• Work with the bid team at tender stage, in preparing submissions and securing new contracts.
• Attend tender handover meetings to understand project deliverables, including contract obligations, project scope & methodology, identified customer priorities (win themes), risk & opportunities.
• Organise and attend customer meetings, throughout the lifecycle of the project to ensure identified targets and expectations are being met or exceeded.
• Ensure our brand is portrayed positively taking into consideration our company guidelines.
• Lead the team to adopt the approach outlined in the Right Work Code, creating a safe environment in which to work with an uncompromising attitude towards achieving quality.
• Track the RFI/ NCR System ensuring formal requests are being issued by Site Teams for any information required to maintain the progress of the works; review the RFIs/ NCRs regularly and liaise with the Design Manager on all aspects of contractor design elements.
• Monitor the Quality Assurance / Snagging System during the construction stage of the project and post completion and be main point of contact for all post completion issues ensuring efficient response to any defects or any other matters raised by the Client after Practical Completion.
• Lead by example in championing health and safety, ensuring site teams understand that robust H&S practices are fundamental to every project; in doing so foster a strong health and safety culture throughout our projects.
• Establish, implement and maintain working conditions which are compliant with company and statutory regulations.
• Conduct regular site auditing to ensure our IMS procedures are adhered to and all records/administration stored securely.
• Lead the planning of the contract to ensure the effective use, and control of resources.
• Review the contract and target programmes with the site teams to ensure activities are aligned to the planned sequencing of works, and an awareness of lead times for design and procurement.
• Work closely with the commercial team throughout the project, to establish and monitor a contract performance forecast and obtain an accurate picture of projected value and forecast costs.
• A Risk & Opportunity schedule should identify where we can add value and reduce cost, as well as identify risks requiring mitigation.
• The forecast should achieve, but ideally exceed, target gross site margins and where not possible an analysis submitted to the Divisional Director.
• Chair monthly contract reviews to ensure the contract is being planned to meet the identified project deliverables, following the prescribed agenda with minutes distributed immediately.
• Manage the resolution of significant problems on site whilst drawing on appropriate resources from within the business. Inform senior management on the plan for resolution.
• Develop a defect avoidance strategy and take responsibility for its implementation through the duration of contract including the Making Good Defects period.
• Drive the performance of site teams, through close liaison with Project/Site Managers supporting their development and maximising their potential.
• Constructively challenge and coach our teams to better outcomes.
• Ensure site teams receive and understand necessary updates and skill development, identifying areas for business improvement.
• Undertake SSORs and other opportunities to connect with our site teams, to explore how we can improve ways of working, safety, quality and morale.
• Ensure that innovation and best practice is shared across the business and where appropriate capture details which may constitute Research and Development.
• Conduct post contract reviews within 6 weeks of completion and encourage continuous improvement. Ensure lessons learnt are communicated to others.
• Deputise for senior management and site teams as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of technological & contractual changes and share with site teams.
• Understand and comply with your responsibilities outlined within the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Statement.

Key Requirements

Essential

• Proven ability to lead the successful delivery of Civil Engineering site teams.
• CSCS card relevant to role.
• SMSTS.
• Proven experience of managing Health & Safety compliance within a project.

Desirable

• Marine project experience.
• Programming and planning experience.
• Experience of utilising a direct delivery workforce.
• First Aid.

Knights Brown actively promotes inclusiveness across the workplace, creating an environment where each individual has the equal opportunity to achieve his or her full potential and where employees feel respected. A diverse and skilled workforce is essential to our success. We are a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.