Contracts Manager – Gate & Barrier Automation

Network Plus; Eastbourne; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Car/Car allowance

Job summary

Network Plus, part of the Littlewood Group, is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager with a strong background in automatic gates, barriers and access control to oversee installation, maintenance and service contracts across commercial and industrial projects.

The role requires leadership of engineers, subcontractors and suppliers, managing projects from enquiry to handover, and maintaining excellent client relationships while ensuring delivery on time and to budget.

Qualifications

• Experience within the automatic gates, barriers and access control industry.
• Experience managing projects, contracts, installations or service operations.
• Strong customer-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Desirable: CSCS Card, Gate Safe training or similar certifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple gate, barrier and access control projects simultaneously.
• Oversee installation, service and maintenance contracts from inception to completion.
• Plan labour resources and coordinate directly employed engineers and subcontractors.
• Conduct site surveys, client meetings and project progress reviews.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Review and manage project programmes, RAMS and contractual documentation.
• Monitor project costs, variations and profitability.
• Ensure commissioning, testing and handover processes are completed correctly.
• Maintain excellent client relationships and identify opportunities for additional works.
• Drive compliance with Health & Safety legislation and industry best practice.
• Support operational improvement and business growth initiatives.

Skills

Gate and barrier knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Driving licence

Job description

Description

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager ideally with a strong background in the automatic gates, barriers and access control industry to oversee the successful delivery of installation, maintenance and service contracts across commercial and industrial projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual looking to join a growing business, taking ownership of projects from order through to completion while managing engineers, subcontractors, suppliers and client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple gate, barrier and access control projects simultaneously.
• Oversee installation, service and maintenance contracts from inception to completion.
• Plan labour resources and coordinate directly employed engineers and subcontractors.
• Conduct site surveys, client meetings and project progress reviews.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Review and manage project programmes, RAMS and contractual documentation.
• Monitor project costs, variations and profitability.
• Ensure commissioning, testing and handover processes are completed correctly.
• Maintain excellent client relationships and identify opportunities for additional works.
• Drive compliance with Health & Safety legislation and industry best practice.
• Support operational improvement and business growth initiatives.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential Experience

• Experience within the automatic gates, barriers and access control industry.
• Experience managing projects, contracts, installations or service operations.
• Good understanding of commercial automatic gates, barriers and access control systems.
• Experience coordinating labour, materials and subcontractors.
• Strong customer-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing project budgets and variations.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience as a Contracts Manager, Project Manager or Operations Manager.
• Strong knowledge of major gate and barrier manufacturers.
• Experience working on commercial and industrial projects.
• Knowledge of access control systems including:
• Intercoms
• ANPR systems
• Vehicle access solutions
• Keypads
• Fob and reader systems
• Understanding of DHF and Gate Safe compliance standards.
• Welding knowledge or experience (advantageous).

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant industry experience.
• Strong Microsoft Office and IT skills.

Desirable

• CSCS Card.
• Gate Safe Certification.
• DHF Automated Gate Training.
• SMSTS or SSSTS.
• IOSH or NEBOSH.
• First Aid.
• ECS Card.
• HSG47 Training.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and client-focused.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Commercially minded.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A team player capable of supporting and developing others.

Ideal Candidate

• Have proven experience within the gate, barrier and access control sector.
• Be looking for a long-term career within a growing automation business.
• Be willing to attend the office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Be comfortable working 7:30am – 5:00pm.
• Possess strong operational and commercial awareness.
• Be capable of managing projects from enquiry through to successful handover.
• Have excellent client management and relationship-building skills.
• Be proactive, solutions-focused and committed to delivering exceptional service.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package including bonus and car/car allowance.

Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

We understand that privacy and the security of your personal information is extremely important. By applying for this role, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy.

About Littlewood

At Littlewood Group we are a leading force in the UK's security, fencing, and barrier industry, recognised for designing, building, and installing some of the largest and most intricate projects across the country. From initial design and consultation to the final installation, we offer tailored services including planning, engineering, bespoke designs, and ongoing support.

Our team works hand-in-hand with clients to ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency throughout the entire process.

Whether in the field or behind the scenes, our team plays a key role in executing complex security projects that protect people and property. We pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where professional development, teamwork, and job satisfaction are paramount. If you're looking for a rewarding career with real impact, Littlewood is the place for you.