Contracts Manager - Social Housing Adaptations

Henley Chase; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Henley Chase is seeking a hands-on Contracts Manager to oversee a busy refurbishment operation in Birmingham. You will manage a portfolio of live projects, coordinate subcontractors and ensure delivery from inception to completion in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires experience in refurbishment or housing adaptations, a practical approach to problem solving, and a strong eye for detail to maintain schedules, costs and quality on site.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Contracts Manager or similar construction management role.
• Strong refurbishment/small works experience.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple live refurbishment and adaptation projects from inception to completion.
• Act as the main point of contact between subcontractors and the client.
• Coordinate and manage subcontractors throughout project delivery.
• Attend sites and resolve practical and technical problems as they arise.
• Manage bathroom refits, extensions, internal alterations and general refurbishment works.
• Process and manage project variations.
• Monitor programme, quality, costs and delivery.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with health & safety requirements.

Skills

Contract management

Subcontractor management

Problem solving

Health & safety

Organisation

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Contracts Manager - Refurbishment & Adaptations

Location: Birmingham

Contract: Permanent

Start Date: Immediate

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to join a busy construction and refurbishment operation, overseeing a large portfolio of live projects across domestic properties.

With around 100 live projects at any one time, this is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, coordinating subcontractors and taking responsibility for projects from inception through to completion.

Projects typically range from £5k-£150k, with programmes varying from approximately 2-week bathroom refurbishments through to 3-month extensions.

Experience working on adaptations for disabled residents is highly desirable, although it is not essential. Candidates with a strong background in council refurbishment, housing maintenance or small works delivery will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple live refurbishment and adaptation projects from inception to completion.
• Act as the main point of contact between subcontractors and the client.
• Coordinate and manage subcontractors throughout project delivery.
• Attend sites and resolve practical and technical problems as they arise.
• Manage bathroom refits, extensions, internal alterations and general refurbishment works.
• Process and manage project variations.
• Monitor programme, quality, costs and delivery.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with health & safety requirements.
• Coordinate materials, labour, subcontractors and site requirements.
• Maintain accurate project records and update internal systems.
• Assist with invoicing, project administration and other computer‑based processes.
• Communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors and internal teams.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and to the required standard.
• Manage several projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.

About You

We are looking for a hands‑on Contracts Manager who is comfortable getting involved in the detail and resolving problems rather than simply managing from a desk.

Ideally, you will have experience within small construction projects, refurbishment, housing maintenance or adaptations, with a strong understanding of subcontractor management.

Experience working for or alongside organisations such as Wates, Equans or similar large housing/refurbishment contractors would be advantageous.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience as a Contracts Manager, Project Manager or similar construction management role.
• Strong refurbishment and small works experience.
• Experience managing subcontractors.
• Confident dealing with problems and making decisions on site.
• Strong understanding of health & safety requirements.
• Excellent IT and computer skills.
• Experience managing variations and project costs.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage a large number of live projects.
• Adaptations/DFG experience is highly desirable but not essential.
• Local authority/council refurbishment experience is a major advantage.
• Full UK driving licence.

Projects

Typical projects include:

• Bathroom and wet‑room refits.
• Level‑access adaptations.
• Internal alterations.
• Extensions.
• General domestic refurbishment.
• Accessibility improvements.
• Small construction and maintenance projects.

Project values: £5,000 - £150,000

Typical programmes: 2 weeks - 3 months

Live projects: Approximately 100 at any one time

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a practical, commercially aware and highly organised Contracts Manager who enjoys managing multiple projects and subcontractors in a fast‑paced environment.

Immediate start available