Contracts Manager

Briggs and Forrester Group; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the construction sector is seeking a Contracts Manager to support the delivery of business goals in London. The role involves managing projects from initiation to completion, fostering client relationships, and overseeing team performance. Candidates should have significant experience in similar roles and strong commercial acumen. The position offers an excellent working environment, opportunities for career progressions such as private healthcare, enhanced maternity/paternity policies, and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Company car / car allowance / fuel card

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private healthcare scheme and life insurance

Pension scheme with 5.5% employer contribution

Enhanced maternity and adoption policy

Enhanced paternity policy

Opportunities for career progression

Support for further technical and personal development

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ experience in Contracts Manager or Project Manager role within construction.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Sound knowledge of JCT/NEC contracts.

Responsibilities

• Support business goals and strategy focused on growth in London.
• Take responsibility for assigned contracts from estimating to handover.
• Engage with clients to drive best practices and continuous improvement.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Project management

Client relationship management

Job description

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• Support the delivery of the business vision, goals and strategy, with a particular focus on expanding our presence in the London region.
• Build strong, sustainable customer relationships and secure repeat business through performance and trust.
• Take overall responsibility for assigned contracts from estimating through to handover and final account.
• Drive the development of a motivated, engaged and high-performing team.
• Play an active role in identifying and developing new business opportunities, particularly in support of our strategic London growth targets.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Customer Relationships & Business Development
• Build and develop meaningful relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Be visible to the client’s project team, clearly articulating your role and maintaining consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle
• Lead project teams in promoting the right balance between protecting B&F’s interests and maintaining a collaborative, solution-focused approach with clients.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to drive best practice, continuous improvement and performance benchmarking.
• Proactively pursue opportunities for new work with target customers, consultants and end-user clients.
• Support the Operations Manager and Pre-Construction team in identifying pipeline work, attending early engagement meetings and tracking regional leads.
• Develop and maintain a network of professional contacts within the London construction and property sectors to support B&F’s regional growth strategy.
• Represent B&F at local networking events and industry forums to promote our capabilities and strengthen market presence.

Managerial

• Take early ownership of newly awarded contracts, including input prior to PM appointment and handover from Estimating.
• Ensure Social Value commitments are understood and delivered across all projects, promoting community engagement, local employment, and environmental responsibility in line with client and company expectations.
• Champion B&F’s ‘Safety Strategy’ on all projects and actively promote a positive health, safety and environmental culture across sites and offices.
• Assemble and maintain an appropriate project team in conjunction with the Operations Manager, adjusting as required to meet project needs.
• Recruit, mentor and develop Project Managers, Supervisors, apprentices and other team members as needed.
• Ensure all team members understand and perform their roles in line with company standards and Integrated Management System (IMS) processes.
• Build open and trusted relationships with PMs to ensure accurate, timely reporting and shared accountability
• Provide coaching and support to PMs and Supervisors to develop skills and enhance delivery performance.
• Deliver monthly contract progress updates to the Operations Manager, highlighting risks, opportunities and key issues.
• Hold overall accountability for delivering projects on budget.
• Support PMs in early-stage financial assessments and the development of Profit Enhancement Plans.
• Ensure robust cost control is maintained throughout project delivery.
• Ensure procurement of subcontractor packages is competitive, compliant and appropriately risk-managed.
• Monitor progress and agreement of variations and ensure VO accounts are kept up to date.
• Support PMs in preparing for monthly Project Review Meetings and commercial reporting.
• Assist in preparation and settlement of Final Accounts in collaboration with PMs and QS.

Technical

• Ensure each project is resourced appropriately with technical expertise to deliver a quality installation.
• Oversee design team appointments and maintain rigour in design coordination and delivery.
• Monitor and manage design output to ensure timely and accurate release in line with programme.

Contractual

• Maintain an awareness of contract obligations and key terms for all assigned projects.
• Support PMs in complying with all necessary contractual requirements.
• Ensure B&F’s position is protected through timely issue of notices, correspondence and robust record-keeping.
• Provide guidance to PMs on the appropriate approach to challenging or disputed contract issues.

Programming & Planning

• Take overall responsibility for timely delivery of all projects.
• Support PMs in the development and agreement of design and contract programmes.
• Ensure programmes are regularly reviewed, updated and communicated to clients and delivery teams.
• Champion a programme-led mindset within the project team, using it as a key management tool to maintain project momentum and performance.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in a similar Contracts Manager or Project Manager role within the construction or M&E industry.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously from pre-construction through to completion and final account.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, subcontractors, and supply chains.
• Sound knowledge of JCT/NEC contracts and key contractual obligations.

Package

• Company car / car allowance / fuel card
• 25 days holiday (up to 30 days with service) plus bank holidays
• Private healthcare scheme and life insurance
• Pension scheme with 5.5% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity and adoption policy – 13 weeks full pay followed by 26 weeks at SMP
• Enhanced paternity policy – 2 weeks full pay (available as consecutive weeks or flexible instalments)
• Employee owned business
• An excellent working environment, opportunities for career progression and further technical and personal development