Contracts Manager

RECRUITMENT HELPLINE; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

Pension scheme

Healthcare

Annual leave

Job summary

RECRUITMENT HELPLINE is assisting a leading construction company in Bury St Edmunds to recruit an experienced Contracts Manager. The role will oversee multiple projects from inception to handover, including commercial, residential, and heritage/listed work.

You will manage budgets, procurement, and stakeholder relations, ensuring health and safety compliance and adherence to conservation guidelines. CSCS Black Card, SMSTS, and First Aid at Work are required, with 5–7 years of dual operational

Qualifications

• Experience: 5–7 years in operational and commercial management within a building firm.
• Skills: strong financial expertise with hands-on quantity surveying tasks.
• Technical: traditional building techniques and standard JCT/NEC contracts.
• Certifications: CSCS Black Card, SMSTS, First Aid at Work.
• Qualifications: degree or HND in related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple concurrent commercial, residential, and heritage/listed projects from inception to handover.
• Develop, monitor, and update detailed construction programs.
• Coordinate site logistics and plant hire for efficiency.
• Lead progress meetings and provide financial/operational updates to MD.

Skills

Financial management

Quantity surveying

Leadership

Contract knowledge

Education

HND/Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or Building Conservation

Tools

CSCS Black Card

SMSTS

First Aid at Work

Job description

Excellent opportunity for an experienced Contracts Manager to join a leading construction company based in Bury St Edmunds.

Salary: £55,000 starting salary, negotiable depending on experience

Location: Bury St Edmunds head office with multi-site travel

Job Type: Full Time Permanent

Benefits: Company car. Pension scheme, healthcare, annual leave

The Company

They provide professional building services across Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, and across the region. As award-winning building contractors, they combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to deliver exceptional results on every project. They are a team of passionate craftspeople committed to creating and restoring beautiful buildings and preserving our heritage for future generations.

From new builds and extensions to heritage restorations, they handle projects of all sizes with precision and care. They are a rapidly growing company, and committed to recruiting talented, experienced and dedicated professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Project Delivery

• Oversee multiple concurrent commercial, residential, and specialist heritage/listed building projects from inception to handover.

• Develop, monitor, and update detailed construction programs.

• Coordinate site logistics and plant hire to ensure maximum operational efficiency.

• Lead regular progress meetings and provide clear financial and operational updates to the Managing Director.

Heritage, Conservation & Safety Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to Historic England guidelines, Conservation Area rules, and Listed Building Consents.

• Source specialist traditional materials (e.g., lime mortars, historic timbers) and vetted heritage craftspeople.

• Champion health and safety compliance across all live construction environments.

• Produce and implement Construction Phase Plans, RAMS, and environmental policies.

Leadership & Stakeholder Relations

• Directly manage and mentor site managers, trade teams, and subcontractors.

• Act as the lead point of contact for conservation officers, architects, structural engineers, and clients.

• Build strong relationships with high-net-worth clients and commercial developers to secure repeat business.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Take full ownership of project budgets, cost control, cash flow, and overall project profitability.

• Manage the procurement process, including sourcing, vetting, and appointing subcontractors and material suppliers.

• Value completed site works, issue interim payment applications, and finalize accounts with clients and subcontractors.

• Identify, document, and price variations or change orders promptly to safeguard company margins.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of dual operational and commercial management experience within a building firm, with a proven track record in delivering successful, high quality and profitable projects.

• Skills: Strong financial expertise with hands-on experience in quantity surveying tasks (estimating, valuations, final accounts).

• Technical Knowledge: Expert understanding of traditional building techniques and standard JCT/NEC contract mechanisms.

• Certifications: Valid CSCS Black Card, SMSTS, and First Aid at Work certificate.

• Qualifications: HND/Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or Building Conservation is highly advantageous.

• Transportation: Full UK Driving Licence for regular multi-site travel across the region.

The employer fully supports Equality in Employment. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.