At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage playground and outdoor gym projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and safety.
- Company: Join Wicksteed Leisure, a trusted name in the UK play industry since 1918.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, company car, and professional development support.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for travel and career growth in a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating inspiring outdoor spaces for communities across South East England.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within construction and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: South East England (home-based with regular site presence across the region)
Reports To: Managing Director
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Anticipated Start Date: 1st September 2026
About Wicksteed Leisure
Wicksteed Leisure has been designing and manufacturing children’s playgrounds, outdoor gyms and multi‑use games areas since 1918. Established in 1876, we are one of the most experienced and trusted names in the UK play industry. With over 100 years of delivering play solutions, we combine heritage craftsmanship with modern design to create safe, inspiring outdoor environments for communities across the country. This position has arisen due to the retirement of a long‑standing team member — It is a rare opportunity to join a market‑leading company and make a significant role your own, managing a portfolio of projects across South East England as part of a UK‑wide contracts team.
The Role
As Contracts Manager you will take full ownership of project delivery — from sales handover through to site completion. You will lead subcontractor relationships, manage customer expectations, and ensure every installation is completed safely, on time, and within budget. You will be the primary point of contact for customers throughout the construction phase, embodying Wicksteed’s commitment to quality and service.
Key Responsibilities
- Project & Programme Management
- Own the end‑to‑end delivery of playground and outdoor gym contracts from order receipt to final sign‑off.
- Develop and maintain detailed project programmes, tracking progress and proactively managing risks to schedule and budget.
- Conduct and assist with site surveys, setting out sites in line with detailed drawings and client requirements.
- Ensure all installations comply with current BS EN standards and Wicksteed specifications.
- Subcontractor Management
- Identify, vet and onboard new subcontractors to support regional growth.
- Appoint, brief and supervise subcontractors carrying out installations and groundworks.
- Issue and manage all pre‑commencement documentation including Method Statements and Risk Assessments (RAMS).
- Monitor subcontractor performance and quality, taking corrective action where required.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the main client contact throughout the construction phase, providing regular updates via telephone, email, virtual and in‑person meetings.
- Manage and align client expectations at every stage, resolving issues promptly to maintain satisfaction.
- Collaborate closely with Area Sales Managers to ensure seamless handover and consistent client experience.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain a thorough understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and best practice.
- Ensure full compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, including coordination of pre‑construction information and maintenance of the health and safety file.
- Prepare, review and issue RAMS, ensuring all site activities are conducted safely and legally.
- Uphold Wicksteed’s zero‑harm culture across all sites and subcontractor activities.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Proven experience in contracts or project management within construction, installation or a related outdoor environment.
- Strong working knowledge of construction practices including groundworks, levels, drainage and landscaping.
- Confident communicator with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, subcontractors and internal teams.
- Skilled negotiator able to secure best value from contractors and suppliers without compromising quality or safety.
- Customer‑centric mindset with a consistent focus on satisfaction and quality outcomes.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Full UK driving licence.
- Self‑motivated and able to work on own initiative, whilst contributing effectively as part of a wider UK contracts team.
- Strong work ethic with a proactive, can‑do approach to problem solving and delivery.
- Flexible and willing to travel across the South East, with overnight stays as required.
Desirable
- Previous experience in the playground, outdoor leisure or landscape construction sector.
- SMSTS qualification (support available to obtain if not already held).
- NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management or equivalent (support available to obtain).
- Enhanced DBS certificate (can be arranged on appointment).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- KPI‑based performance bonus.
- Company car, mobile phone and laptop.
- Company pension scheme.
- Long service recognition awards.
- Investment in your professional development — qualifications supported from day one.
- The chance to join a genuinely iconic British brand with 150 years of heritage and a passionate, close‑knit team.
If you share our passion for creating outstanding play spaces and are ready to bring your project management expertise to a company that has been inspiring outdoor play for generations, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV, a covering letter, and your salary expectations to: hr@wicksteed.co.uk
Wicksteed Leisure Limited is an equal opportunities employer. Applicants will not be excluded on the grounds of sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race, marital status, disability, age, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Contracts Manager - South East England employer: Wicksteed Leisure Limited
Wicksteed Leisure is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to join a market-leading company with over 150 years of heritage in creating inspiring outdoor environments. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a performance bonus and company car, and a close-knit team culture, you will thrive in a role that not only values your expertise but also supports your professional growth in the vibrant South East England region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager - South East England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and outdoor leisure sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to make new contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your project management successes, especially in contracts similar to what Wicksteed Leisure does. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how you’ve managed projects, dealt with subcontractors, and ensured client satisfaction—key aspects for the Contracts Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Wicksteed Leisure and contributing to their mission of creating amazing play spaces.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager - South East England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in contracts or project management, especially in construction or outdoor environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about creating play spaces and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Contracts Manager, you'll be the main point of contact for clients. Make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills and ability to build relationships. We love a confident communicator!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wicksteed Leisure Limited
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Wicksteed Leisure’s projects and their approach to playground design. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their project management style and how you can contribute to their mission of creating safe, inspiring outdoor environments.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Contracts Manager, you'll be the main point of contact for clients. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and manage expectations. Think of situations where you successfully resolved issues or improved client satisfaction — these stories will highlight your customer-centric mindset.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Compliance
Familiarise yourself with health and safety legislation relevant to construction and outdoor environments. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with regulations like CDM 2015 and how you maintain a zero-harm culture on site. This shows you take safety seriously, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Subcontractor Management
Wicksteed values strong subcontractor relationships. Think about your past experiences in vetting, onboarding, and managing subcontractors. Prepare to share specific examples of how you’ve monitored performance and ensured quality outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability in managing project delivery effectively.
