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 1876.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, company car, and professional development support.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team with a rich heritage and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by creating inspiring outdoor spaces for children.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills are essential.
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:
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 for a Contracts Manager to lead impactful projects across South East England. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a performance bonus and company car, and a supportive work culture that values safety and quality, you will thrive in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to creating inspiring outdoor environments for communities. Join a passionate team at a historic British brand dedicated to making a difference in children's play.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager - South East England
✨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 Wicksteed Leisure 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 - South East England at Wicksteed Leisure Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager - South East England
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 Wicksteed Leisure 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!
