Contract Manager

Optima Site Solutions Ltd; Haslemere; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima Site Solutions Ltd is seeking a Contracts Manager based in Haslemere to take full ownership of project delivery and commercial performance on high-end residential schemes across the South East.

You will work with the Site Manager, drive programmes, cost control, valuations and monthly reporting, with a focus on quality, safety and stakeholder management, ensuring successful project cash flow and margins.

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction/Project Management or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years experience as a PM/CM in high-end residential construction.
• Experience delivering projects £2–£10 million+.
• Strong commercial acumen and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from mobilisation to completion on £2–£10m+ values.
• Administer JCT Design & Build and Intermediate contracts.
• Develop and maintain project programmes and critical paths.
• Lead client, design team and stakeholder meetings.
• Oversee procurement of subcontractors and site safety.
• Prepare monthly valuations and interim payments.
• Provide regular performance reports to Directors.

Skills

Project management

Contract administration

Stakeholder management

Budget control

Valuations

Education

Degree in Construction Management

CIOB or RICS membership

Tools

JCT Contract Administration

Job description

Contracts Manager

Location: Haslemere | Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent | Salary: £55,000 to £65,000 per annum, DOE

About the Company Our client is a medium‑sized main contractor specialising in the delivery of high‑end private residential projects across the South East. Its portfolio includes luxury new‑build properties, full refurbishments, extensions and bespoke leisure complexes. With 20 years of experience and a strong reputation for quality, attention to detail and premium service, the business delivers exceptional homes for discerning private clients.

Role Overview

The Contracts Manager will take full ownership of project delivery and commercial performance across a portfolio of high‑end residential projects, typically valued between £2 million and £10 million+. Working alongside the Site Manager on each project, you will drive programme, quality and cost control from mobilisation through to completion. The role includes full commercial ownership of projects, with responsibility for valuations, cost reporting and budget control alongside the delivery function.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage projects from mobilisation to completion, typically valued from £2 million to £10 million+.
• Administer JCT Design & Build and Intermediate contracts, including notices, instructions and change control.
• Develop and maintain project programmes, manage critical path activities and drive site progress.
• Lead client, design team and stakeholder meetings.
• Manage subcontractor procurement and appointments.
• Oversee quality, health and safety, compliance and project documentation.
• Manage RFIs, CVIs, site instructions, variations and change orders.
• Take ownership of project commercial performance alongside the Quantity Surveying team.
• Prepare and agree monthly valuations and interim payment applications.
• Monitor budgets, cost reports and cash flow to protect margin.
• Support final accounts and subcontractor account close‑out.
• Provide regular commercial and project performance reports to Directors.
• Contribute to tender reviews, programmes, procurement strategy, cost planning and value engineering where required.

Requirements

• Degree‑qualified in Construction Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, or equivalent experience, is desirable.
• CIOB or RICS membership, or currently working towards membership, is desirable.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience as a Project Manager or Contracts Manager, ideally within high‑end residential construction.
• Proven track record of delivering projects valued between £2 million and £10 million+, including JCT contract administration.
• Strong commercial acumen, with hands‑on experience of valuations, cost reporting and budget control.
• Confident and capable leadership skills, with excellent stakeholder management abilities across clients, design teams and subcontractors.
• Must be locally based and commutable to the company’s South East office, ideally with experience working across the surrounding region.
• Full UK driving licence.

What’s on Offer

• Salary of £55,000 to £65,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to lead prestigious, high‑end residential projects across the South East.
• Genuine commercial ownership and autonomy across assigned projects.
• Career progression within a growing, close‑knit main contractor.
• Office‑based working in the South East, with site‑based working as required.