Construction Contracts Manager

Watkin Jones PLC; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working arrangements

Discounted gym memberships

Your wellbeing programme & OpenUp

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Life insurance

Contributory pension scheme

Job summary

Watkin Jones Group is seeking an experienced Construction Contracts Manager to lead procurement, negotiation, and delivery of contracts across refurbishment and capital works projects. The role emphasizes risk management, latent defects, quality assurance, and contractual compliance.

The successful candidate will oversee the full lifecycle from tendering to completion, coordinating with contractors, consultants, and legal advisors to align obligations with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing construction contracts across refurbishment and capital works.
• Strong focus on latent defects, risk allocation, and liability in contracts.
• Proven ability to manage contractual risk and deliver projects successfully.

Responsibilities

• Client & Business Development: build client relationships and secure new projects.
• Bids & Tenders: lead bid submissions and development of programmes.
• Contract Management: draft, review and negotiate contracts with robust provisions.
• Project Delivery: manage multiple refurbishment projects on time and within budget.
• Risk & Compliance: monitor performance and defects liability periods, ensure regulatory compliance.
• Site & Stakeholder Coordination: liaise with clients, site teams, and consultants to resolve issues.

Skills

Contract management

Risk management

Bids & negotiation

Stakeholder management

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Construction Contracts Manager to lead the procurement, negotiation, delivery, and performance of construction contracts across a portfolio of refurbishment and capital works projects. With a strong focus on risk management, latent defects, quality assurance, and contractual compliance, this role will play a critical part in ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

The Construction Contracts Manager will be responsible for overseeing the full contract lifecycle, from tendering and procurement through to project completion and defects resolution. Working closely with contractors, consultants, project teams, and legal advisors, the successful candidate will ensure that contractual obligations are clearly defined, effectively managed, and aligned with business objectives.

The role requires strong commercial and technical expertise, with responsibility for identifying and mitigating contractual and construction-related risks, managing contractor performance, resolving contract issues, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards. The Construction Contracts Manager will also support the development of procurement strategies, evaluate tenders, negotiate contract terms, and drive value for money across all construction activities.

Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external delivery partners, the Construction Contracts Manager will champion best practice, maintain robust governance throughout project delivery, and contribute to the successful execution of refurbishment and improvement programmes across the property portfolio.

Due to the nature of this role, there will be the requirement of travel on a national basis.

Key responsibilities:

• Client & Business Development – Build strong client relationships, secure new projects, and represent the business commercially.
• Bids & Tenders – Lead bid submissions, develop programmes, and support successful tender outcomes.
• Contract Management – Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, ensuring robust provisions around latent defects, risk allocation, and liability.
• Project Delivery – Manage multiple refurbishment projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to required standards.
• Risk & Compliance – Monitor contractual performance, manage defects liability periods, and ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Site & Stakeholder Coordination – Act as a key liaison across clients, site teams, and consultants to resolve issues and maintain delivery quality.
• Strong experience in construction contract management
• Proven ability to manage contractual risk and latent defect exposure
• Commercially astute with experience in bids, negotiation, and project delivery
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?

Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.

Here’s what we can offer you:

• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), hybrid working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
• Wellbeing: Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform.
• Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.