At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major painting contracts with full ownership and hands-on management.
- Company: Established contractor known for high-volume painting and decorating works.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and long-term job security.
- Why this job: Enjoy autonomy and influence project delivery in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a Contracts Manager in painting; SMSTS certification required.
- Other info: Opportunity for structured development and progression within a reputable company.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: London & South East
Salary: £50,000- £55,000 DOE + Car Allowance, Fuel Card, Bonus Scheme
Job Type: Full Time | Permanent
Ready to lead major painting contracts without the micromanagement? If you’re an experienced Painting Contracts Manager looking for autonomy, stability and long-term progression this could be the move. This is an established, growing contractor delivering high-volume painting and decorating works across residential and commercial portfolios. You’ll take full ownership of multiple contracts, leading teams, protecting margin and ensuring exceptional quality delivery.
What’s in it for you?
- Car allowance + fuel card
- Performance-related bonus
- Long-term pipeline of secured work
- Real autonomy - manage your contracts your way
- Structured development and progression support
- Supportive senior leadership team
- Stable, reputable contractor with strong client relationships
The Role
You’ll oversee multiple live contracts across London and the South East, ensuring projects are delivered safely, profitably and to specification.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing multiple painting & decorating contracts
- Ensuring works are delivered on time, within budget and to quality standards
- Leading site teams and supervisors
- Managing subcontractors and direct labour
- Monitoring programme, productivity and margin
- Enforcing Health & Safety compliance (SMSTS level)
- Client liaison and stakeholder meetings
- Reviewing variations and controlling costs
- Supporting recruitment and development of site teams
What we’re looking for:
- 5+ years experience as a Contracts Manager within painting & decorating
- 10+ years industry experience
- SMSTS (essential)
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Painting & Decorating (preferred)
- Strong commercial awareness and margin control
- Experience managing social housing, commercial or refurbishment contracts
- CSCS Manager / Supervisor card
- Full UK Driving Licence
Why this opportunity stands out:
This isn’t a sit-behind-a-desk contracts role. You’ll be visible, hands-on and empowered. The business has strong systems in place, secured frameworks and a steady pipeline giving you security without stagnation. If you want progression, responsibility and the chance to genuinely influence project delivery this is a strong move.
Contracts Manager (Painting) employer: RecruitME
Contact Detail:
RecruitME Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager (Painting)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Contracts Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your experience and connect with potential employers. Share relevant content about painting contracts and engage with industry groups to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations and project management techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed contracts in the past and how you can bring that expertise to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have a range of exciting opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out to hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager (Painting)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing painting contracts. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed contracts and led teams, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes where possible. Mention how you’ve improved margins or delivered projects on time and within budget. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at RecruitME
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be managing. Brush up on your knowledge of painting and decorating standards, as well as any relevant regulations. This will show that you're not just experienced but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Contracts Manager, you'll be leading teams and managing subcontractors. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully led a team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to motivate others and ensure quality delivery, as this is key for the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and controlled costs in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've protected margins while ensuring project quality. This will demonstrate your strong commercial awareness, which is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Health & Safety Questions
Given the importance of Health & Safety compliance in this role, review your SMSTS training and be prepared to discuss how you've enforced safety standards on-site. Share any experiences where you improved safety protocols or dealt with challenges related to compliance.