Contracts Manager

O'Neill & Brennan; Exeter; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected regional SME contractor in Exeter is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager. The role involves overseeing multiple industrial projects valued between £1m and £15m, managing site teams, controlling costs, and ensuring quality delivery. Candidates should have a proven track record, strong commercial expertise, and relevant qualifications. This is a unique opportunity to join a stable and award-winning company with excellent career progression prospects.

Benefits

Highly negotiable salary

Executive company car or car allowance

Private healthcare

Contributory pension

Discretionary performance-related bonus

Opportunities for progression to senior leadership roles

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a Contracts Manager with a main or regional contractor.
• Excellent leadership and man-management skills to motivate on-site teams.
• Experience in industrial or commercial sectors is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the successful delivery of multiple industrial projects valued between £1m and £15m.
• Manage site teams and drive programme adherence.
• Control costs and uphold health & safety, quality, and sustainability standards.

Skills

Contracts management

Budget management

Leadership

Client relationship management

Education

HNC/Degree in Construction Management

SMSTS

CSCS Black Card

First Aid

Job description

South West England (Exeter to Taunton Corridor) Permanent – Highly Negotiable Salary & Package

Our client is a highly respected, independent regional SME contractor in Exeter, with over 75 years of established experience in delivering exceptional construction projects across the South West. Specialising in industrial new builds and complex refurbishments, they hold prestigious accreditations including ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, and are renowned for their commitment to quality, on-time and on-budget delivery, and leveraging local resources to support the regional economy while minimising environmental impact.

With a strong forward order book and a forward-thinking ethos, they are now seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join their established senior management team and contribute to their ongoing growth.

The Role

Reporting to the Construction Director, you will oversee the successful delivery of multiple industrial projects simultaneously, typically valued between £1m and £15m. Responsibilities include managing site teams, fostering strong client relationships, driving programme adherence, controlling costs, and upholding the highest standards of health & safety, quality, and sustainability.

Key Requirements

• Proven track record as a Contracts Manager with a main or regional contractor, delivering schemes valued £1m – £15m
• Strong commercial expertise in managing budgets, variations, subcontract packages, and final accounts
• Excellent leadership and man-management skills to motivate and develop on-site teams
• Hands‑on, site-based approach with a passion for visible leadership across regional projects
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., HNC/Degree in Construction Management, SMSTS, CSCS Black Card, First Aid)
• Experience in industrial or commercial sectors highly desirable

Location

Head office is conveniently located near the M5 (J25–J27), with projects primarily within an hour's drive. The ideal candidate will live in Exeter. Applications from North Devon or South Devon will also be considered.

Remuneration

• Highly negotiable basic salary, tailored to experience
• Executive company car or generous car allowance
• Private healthcare
• Contributory pension
• Discretionary performance-related bonus
• Opportunities for progression to senior leadership roles

This is a unique chance to join a stable, award-winning regional business that prioritises excellence, innovation, and its people, with a proven history of internal promotion and lasting client partnerships.

For a confidential discussion or to submit your CV, please apply today. All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation