Contracts Manager - Retail Projects

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing construction firm in London is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee retail fit-out projects. This senior role involves managing contracts from pre-construction through to handover, ensuring delivery on time and budget. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in retail construction, strong leadership, and be able to build relationships with various stakeholders. This position offers real ownership and opportunities for career progression.

Qualifications

• Strong track record delivering fast-paced retail construction projects.
• Experience managing full project lifecycles in a main contractor setting.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead retail fit-out and construction projects from inception to completion.
• Manage all aspects of contract delivery — programming, procurement, budgets, quality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain.

Skills

Retail construction experience

Project management

Leadership skills

Budget management

Clear communication

Problem-solving

Tools

JCT contracts

SMSTS

CSCS

Job description

Job Description

Contracts Manager – Retail Projects

London-based (with UK site travel)

Full-time, Permanent

General Contractor

Salary: up to £80k, dependent on experience

We’re on the lookout for a driven Contracts Manager with solid experience in retail fit-out and construction, who’s ready to take full ownership of projects — from pre-construction through to handover.

This is a senior, hands-on role where you’ll be managing multiple high-profile contracts, working directly with clients, consultants, and site teams. You’ll be empowered to run your projects end-to-end, ensuring they’re delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard. For the right person, there’s real opportunity here: the business is growing, and this role has been designed with progression in mind — with room to shape your position and grow your own delivery team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead retail fit-out and construction projects from inception to completion
• Manage all aspects of contract delivery — programming, procurement, budgets, quality, and safety
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain
• Work closely with internal teams across estimating, commercial, and operations
• Oversee site teams to ensure smooth execution and resolution of issues
• Ensure projects are completed in line with contractual obligations and client expectations
• Contribute to improving systems and delivery processes
• Play a key role in the development and expansion of the delivery team
• Support recruitment and mentoring of junior staff as the business grows

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong track record delivering fast-paced retail construction or fit-out projects
• Experience managing full project lifecycles, ideally in a main contractor setting
• Knowledge of JCT and other contract types
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills — confident directing multiple moving parts
• A commercial mindset with the ability to manage budgets and risk
• Clear communicator and problem-solver who thrives under pressure
• Able to travel to sites across the UK as required
• SMSTS and CSCS ()

Why This Role?

• Real ownership — run your own projects, not just segments
• Join a growing, ambitious team with long-standing client relationships
• Work on exciting UK-wide retail schemes
• Be part of the company’s growth story — with scope to shape your role and team
• Supportive leadership that values initiative, integrity, and collaboration