Contract Manager

We Build Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction recruitment agency is looking for a Contracts Manager to oversee the management of retrofit projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for contractual, commercial, and operational aspects, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and compliant with relevant standards. Ideal candidates should have experience in managing construction contracts, understanding of PAS 2035 standards, and strong leadership skills. The role is based in Manchester, offering opportunities to connect with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or similar in construction.
• Experience managing retrofit projects in occupied properties.
• Strong understanding of construction law and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage retrofit contracts from award to close-out.
• Ensure compliance with PAS 2035/2030 and other regulations.
• Act as primary contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Procure and manage subcontractors and suppliers.
• Provide regular reports to senior management.

Skills

Knowledge of construction contracts

Understanding of PAS 2035/2030 standards

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Problem-solving capabilities

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Degree in Construction Management or related discipline

Professional membership (e.g. RICS, CIOB)

Tools

Commercial management systems

Job description

We Build Recruitment are now looking to hire a Contracts Manager on behalf of our client, a fast growing North West based maintenance and building firm.

Due to client demand environs, they are now looking to add an experienced Contracts Manager for the Retrofitting arm of the business.

The Contracts Manager (Retrofitting) is responsible for the commercial, contractual, and operational management of retrofit projects, ensuring delivery in line with agreed scope, budget, programme, and quality standards.

The role plays a critical part in managing contracts under PAS 2035/2030 frameworks, coordinating with internal teams, clients, and supply chain partners to deliver compliant, safe, and high-quality energy efficiency and decarbonisation works.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Commercial Management

• Manage retrofit contracts from award through to final account and close-out.
• Ensure contracts are administered in accordance with agreed terms, conditions, and funding requirements.
• Monitor project costs, variations, valuations, and cash flow to protect commercial performance.
• Lead on change control, variations, extensions of time, and dispute avoidance/resolution.
• Prepare and review payment applications, final accounts, and cost reports.

Project Delivery Oversight

• Work closely with Project Managers, Retrofit Coordinators, and Site Managers to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Ensure works comply with PAS 2035/2030, MCS, building regulations, and client specifications.
• Support programme planning and resource allocation across multiple retrofit projects.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and mitigation measures.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary commercial point of contact for clients, funders, and managing agents.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local authorities, housing associations, and private clients.
• Attend progress meetings, contract reviews, and handover meetings.
• Ensure client requirements and KPIs are clearly understood and met.

Supply Chain Management

• Procure, appoint, and manage subcontractors and suppliers in line with company procedures.
• Ensure subcontractor compliance with contractual, quality, health & safety, and sustainability requirements.
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• Review subcontractor performance, valuations, and final accounts.

Compliance, Quality & Health & Safety

• Ensure all retrofit works meet statutory, regulatory, and funding compliance requirements.
• Promote and enforce high standards of health, safety, and environmental management.
• Support audits, inspections, and funding body reviews.
• Ensure accurate and complete project documentation is maintained.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Provide regular commercial and operational reports to senior management.
• Contribute to lessons learned, process improvements, and best practice development.
• Support business growth by contributing to bid reviews, pricing strategies, and contract risk assessments.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of construction and retrofit contracts (e.g. JCT, NEC, bespoke frameworks).
• Sound understanding of PAS 2035/2030 retrofit standards and compliance requirements.
• Excellent commercial awareness and cost control skills ձ< /სპ> li>
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• High level of attention to detail andằng problem-solving capability.
• Proficient in MS Office and project/commercial management systems.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project/Commercial Manager within construction or retrofitting.
• Experience managing retrofit or energy efficiency projects in occupied properties.
• Strong understanding of construction law and contract administration.

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership (e.g. RICS, CIOB).
• PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator or working knowledge of retrofit coordination.
• Experience working with public sector funding streams (e.g. SHDF, ECO).