Contracts Manager in Cheshire, Warrington

Location: Warrington or Glasgow (nationwide travel required)

We are recruiting an experienced Contracts Manager to support the long-term growth of our Production & Manufacturing (P&M) and Defence sectors, delivering large-scale, complex construction projects across the UK. The Contracts Manager is responsible for the effective operational, commercial and people management delivery of projects within these sectors, ensuring works are planned, managed and delivered safely, compliantly, profitably and in line with Morris & Spottiswood standards.

The role involves the concurrent management of multiple contracts and acting as a senior representative of the business with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams. This role is suited to an established Contracts Manager from a Main Contracting background, with proven experience delivering projects within live operational environments, including safety-critical, highly regulated and secure settings where programme certainty and minimal operational disruption are essential.

You will provide proactive leadership across all aspects of contract performance, including programme and planning, health & safety, operational delivery, subcontractor management and commercial control.

• Technical / Project Delivery
  • Overall responsibility for the planning, programming, phasing and delivery of allocated projects, including involvement from tender and pre‑construction stage where required.
  • Ensure effective mobilisation and site set‑up, including labour, materials, plant and logistics.
  • Monitor progress against programme and take corrective action to maintain delivery.
  • Lead and attend project meetings, including pre‑start, progress, subcontractor, handover and internal meetings.
  • Prepare and issue accurate progress reports to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Ensure quality standards are met and that projects are delivered snag‑free in accordance with M&S ISO 9001 QA/QC processes.
  • Monitor subcontractor performance and take appropriate action where standards or safety requirements are not met.
• Client Responsibilities
  • Manage day‑to‑day client relationships, providing a professional and responsive service.
  • Liaise effectively with client representatives, consultants and design teams.
  • Present programmes, phasing plans and progress updates clearly and confidently.
  • Identify opportunities to add value and strengthen client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Commercial Responsibilities
  • Maintain awareness of the commercial performance of projects in liaison with the Commercial team and Quantity Surveyor.
  • Manage prelims, labour allocation, delays, variations and additional works to protect project margins.
  • Ensure procurement requirements are planned accurately to avoid reactive or last‑minute purchasing.
  • Monitor and control supply chain costs to support financial efficiency and value for money.
  • Ensure works are only undertaken where appropriate contractual authority is in place.
• People Responsibilities
  • Provide leadership, direction and support to site and project teams.
  • Act as a first point of contact for direct reports.
  • Allocate resources appropriately based on experience and competence.
  • Manage performance, conflict and communication issues where they arise.
  • Escalate underperformance or emerging risks to the Operations Manager as appropriate.
  • Promote a positive, collaborative and professional working environment aligned to Company values.
• Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental (HSQE)
  • Overall responsibility for site Health & Safety compliance in line with legislation and Company procedures.
  • Ensure site documentation and records are maintained correctly and reviewed on a monthly basis.
  • Ensure compliance with Quality and Environmental Management Systems and associated processes, including Union Square.
  • Promote consistent operational and behavioural standards to support the Company’s commitment to valuing life.
• General
  • Comply with the Employee Handbook and all Company policies and procedures.
  • Ensure correct use and care of Company vehicles, plant and IT equipment.
  • Monitor compliance with the Company van policy where applicable.
  • Undertake learning and development activities to maintain role effectiveness.
  • Adopt a flexible and proactive approach, undertaking additional duties where required to support wider business needs.

The successful candidate must:

• Be flexible in terms of hours of work.
• Be willing to work away from home where required.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• Be computer literate, with full working knowledge of MS Word and Excel at an intermediate level.
• Have experience using Asta project planning software.
• Hold a construction‑related academic qualification or equivalent experience.
• Hold a relevant CSCS card.
• Hold SMSTS certification.
• Hold First Aid at Work certification.
• Hold Scaffold Inspection certification.

Morris & Spottiswood is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.