ABOUT US Since 2010, Return Property Services has delivered refurbishment projects across London and the South East in the residential, commercial and education sectors, including heritage and listed buildings. Clients include Knight Frank, JLL, Savills, The Crown Estate and Wellcome Trust. On every project we work closely with architects, M&E designers, structural, fire and temporary works engineers, and building control consultants. THE ROLE We are looking for a Contracts Manager to plan and deliver our refurbishment projects (£100k–£2m) safely, on time, on budget and to a high standard. Our clients include corporate and portfolio landlords, the Great Estates, asset managers and property managers, often through their surveyors and architects acting as Contract Administrators. This is a full-time, permanent position based at our Fitzrovia office, with regular site visits. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Manage multiple projects from pre-start to handover * Build and manage detailed programmes as Gantt charts in Microsoft Project * Prepare site logistics plans (welfare, scaffold, access) and identify project risks * Weekly report to the Directors on programme, progress, labour and quality * Work with the QS on procurement, budgets and variations * Survey building condition and prepare repair schedules for pricing by the QS * Measure works on site, including material assessment, quantification and ordering * JCT contract administration, including identifying Relevant Events and issuing delay notices * Request for information (RFI) management * Manage subcontractors from approval to onboarding to close out * Work closely with Site Managers and Foremen – delegate, support and review their daily site reports * Manage client and all stakeholder relationships, and chair progress meetings * Set and assess Quality Assurance standards and maintain documentation * Manage site waste and environmental issues * Deliver project handovers, including O&M manuals HEALTH, SAFETY & COMPLIANCE * Ensure sites comply with CDM 2015 and H&S requirements * Develop and manage the Construction Phase Plan (CPP), RAMS, inductions and toolbox talks * Work with our H&S advisor and scaffold inspector * Coordinate with all duty holders as Principal Contractor * Building Safety Act duties, including the Golden Thread and Mandatory Occurrence Reporting ABOUT YOU Essential 10+ years in construction, including 5+ years as a Contracts Manager for a main contractor in London Refurbishment background (not new build) – residential and commercial projects of £100k–£2m Heritage, traditional and modern buildings experience Experienced in complex projects – multi-unit, mixed use, façades, roofs, party walls and below-ground drainage CSCS Black (Manager) card with NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction Management, or equivalent Asbestos Awareness Sound knowledge of CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022 Experience in the JCT contract suite, including contractor’s design Highly proficient in Microsoft Project, producing detailed Gantt chart programmes Confident with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and spreadsheets Capable of reading and interpreting drawings and specifications, and spotting what won’t work in practice Experience in estimating, material assessment and quantification Experienced and comfortable working with architects, M&E designers, structural, fire and temporary works engineers, and building control consultants A high-level communicator who is comfortable and confident managing multiple project stakeholders – client, contract administrator, property managers, residents and neighbours Knowledge of internal works (MEP, fire, ceilings, dry lining, finishes) and external works (roofing, masonry, façades, scaffolding) Valid driving licence and comfortable working at height Construction intelligence and application Desirable MCIOB First Aid Monday software and AI tools Skills and attributes Leadership – motivates site teams and gives clients confidence Ownership – high standards and takes responsibility for decisions Organisation – prioritises well and stays calm under pressure Communication – clear and diplomatic with clients, consultants and site teams Risk awareness – spots a small problem early and acts on it before it becomes a big one Problem solving – practical, and gets the job done with the resources available Commercial awareness – strong numeracy, quantities, variations, and markup vs margin WHAT WE OFFER * Competitive salary, negotiable on experience * 28 days holiday including bank holidays, plus Christmas shutdown and long service days * Workplace pension * Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured) * Office in Fitzrovia, central London
Contracts Manager employer: Return Property Services Limited
Return Property Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia, Central London. With a strong focus on employee growth and well-being, we provide competitive salaries, performance-linked bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including 28 days of holiday and an Employee Assistance Programme. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and fosters meaningful relationships within the property sector.
Contact Details:
Return Property Services Limited Recruitment Team
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 Return Property Services Limited, 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 Return Property Services Limited.
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 Return Property Services Limited
✨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!
