At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and deliver high-quality construction projects with a focus on community impact.
- Company: Join Gilbert & Goode, a leading housebuilder in Cornwall and Devon.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, car allowance, health plan, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to creating inspiring neighbourhoods.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by building homes and communities that matter.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Gilbert & Goode is a leading South West housebuilder, renowned for delivering high-quality homes and creating thriving, sustainable communities across Cornwall and Devon. Founded in 1972, we have over 50 years’ experience in building inspiring places to live and providing outstanding customer experiences — recognised by our 2026 In-house Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction.
We’re looking for an experienced and commercially astute Contracts Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality contract and supplier management across our organisation. In this role you will successfully plan, manage, and deliver construction projects in line with the organisation’s business plan, ensuring developments are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:- Manage the full contract lifecycle from procurement through to delivery and renewal
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders
- Monitor contract performance, ensuring service levels and KPIs are achieved
- Identify risks, issues, and opportunities, implementing mitigation strategies
- Lead contract negotiations and variations to secure best value
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and governance frameworks
- Provide expert advice and guidance on contract management and procurement
- Produce reports, insights, and recommendations to support decision-making
We’re looking for someone who combines strong commercial awareness with excellent relationship-building skills.
Essential Skills & Experience:- Level 6 Qualification or equivalent
- CSCS Black card holder
- Proven experience in contract management within a complex organisation
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Solid understanding of contract law and procurement processes
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to manage multiple contracts and priorities effectively
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPS, IACCM/WorldCC, or equivalent)
- Experience working within a regulated or public-sector environment
- Knowledge of governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks
Why Join Gilbert & Goode? Bring your skills to a company with a strong regional reputation and a values‑led purpose. We build more than homes — we create places where life unfolds. At Gilbert & Goode, we are committed to “building inspiring homes and creating lasting memories”, placing customers at the heart of everything we do.
Award‑winning customer satisfaction. We proudly hold the In‑house 2026 Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction, reflecting the trust our customers place in us and the exceptional buying experience we deliver.
A leading regional housebuilder with purpose. Since 1972, Gilbert & Goode has grown into one of the South West’s most respected new homes developers, creating inspiring neighbourhoods across Cornwall and Devon.
Your work has real social value. As part of Ocean Housing, our profits are gift‑aided back to support the delivery of affordable housing. This means your contribution directly helps provide homes for local people and strengthens the communities we serve.
Community‑first approach. We believe the most successful developments are shaped by the people who live in them. Community voices influence our designs, ensuring our homes and neighbourhoods genuinely meet local needs.
Alongside this sense of purpose, you’ll join a supportive, collaborative, and forward‑thinking team, based at our St Austell headquarters with strong local roots and a deep commitment to the region. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported to perform at their best.
Our Benefits:- 27 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- 10% car allowance
- Professional membership fees paid
- Company sick pay scheme
- Workplace pension with death-in-service benefit
- Home office work payment
- Medicash health plan (including dental and optical cover)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Rewards and recognition programme
- On-site parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies
Key Dates: Closing Date: Monday 29th of June 2026. Interviews to be held: Tuesday 7th of July 2026 at Stennack House, St Austell. We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon!
Contracts Manager employer: Ocean Housing
At Gilbert & Goode, we pride ourselves on being more than just a housebuilder; we are a community-focused employer dedicated to creating inspiring homes and fostering lasting relationships. Our St Austell headquarters offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, where employees enjoy a competitive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and professional development opportunities. Join us in making a real social impact while advancing your career in a company that values your contributions and prioritises customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨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 Ocean Housing, 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 Contracts Manager at Ocean Housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
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 Ocean Housing
✨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!
