Contracts Manager

Ashbrittle Recruitment; Essex, Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Development / Contracts Manager to oversee residential projects of 6–30 units. The role requires strong technical and procurement skills, along with the ability to manage multiple developments concurrently. Candidates should have demonstrable experience with small to medium property developers and an understanding of UK building regulations. This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment, influencing key decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience with small to medium residential schemes (6–30 units).
• Proven track record from pre-construction to handover.
• Strong understanding of UK building regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple development projects.
• Manage site operations, contractors, and procurement.
• Ensure health & safety and quality control during construction.
• Collaborate with founders on operational processes.

Skills

Technical build knowledge

Procurement and supply chain capability

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple sites

Education

Construction management or similar degree

SMSTS

First Aid

CSCS

Membership of CIOB or working towards

Job description

Professional Background

Our client is seeking an experienced Development / Contracts Manager with a strong background delivering small‑to‑medium new‑build residential schemes (6–30 units), including houses, terraces, and low‑rise apartments, ideally within London and the Home Counties. They will combine technical delivery expertise with the leadership and structure required for a growing self‑build developer.

• Demonstrable experience with small–medium property developers, self‑build contractors, or high‑quality residential SMEs.
• Proven track record taking schemes from pre‑construction through delivery to handover, including procurement, programming, build sequencing, and contractor management.
• Experience with both new‑build and refurbishment projects (HMO or mixed‑use beneficial).
• Strong understanding of UK building regs, planning conditions, NHBC/structural warranty requirements, CDM, and typical residential compliance pathways.

Core Responsibilities

• Full project oversight of multiple developments (e.g., 6–30 units).
• Managing programmes, site operations, procurement, contractors and subcontractors.
• Overseeing health & safety, quality control, build sequencing, and cost‑to‑complete forecasting.
• Ensuring timely delivery to budget and specification.
• Working directly with founders to refine processes, reporting lines, and operational structure.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical build knowledge (housebuilding, RC frame or traditional methods).
• Excellent procurement and supply‑chain capability, with established industry contacts.
• Ability to troubleshoot on‑site issues quickly and practically.
• High level of organisation with strong reporting and communication skills.
• Comfortable managing multiple sites at once (2–3 concurrent).
• Thrives in a small, entrepreneurial, hands‑on environment.

Personality

• Proactive, solutions‑driven, and commercially aware.
• Not corporate — prefers SME environments where they can influence decisions.
• Able to build trust with subcontractors, design teams, and clients.
• Takes ownership of outcomes and performs well with autonomy.

Ideal Qualifications

• Construction management, building engineering, or similar degree (desirable but not essential).
• SMSTS, First Aid, CSCS (site‑level competency).
• Membership of CIOB or working towards (beneficial).