Contracts Manager

Blue Water Recruitment Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Contracts Manager for hospitality fit-out projects in the UK. You will oversee multiple high-spec projects from pre-start to final handover, ensuring budgets, quality, and client expectations are met. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in hospitality fit-out and strong technical understanding of commercial kitchens and bar systems. The role offers a salary up to £60,000, company vehicle, performance-related bonus, and excellent holiday allowance.

Benefits

Company vehicle or car allowance

Private healthcare

Performance-related bonus

32 days holiday including bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing hospitality fit-out projects.
• Strong understanding of commercial kitchens and catering systems.
• Proficient in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple hospitality fit-out projects from start to finish.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects within budget.
• Build strong long-term client relationships.

Skills

Experience in hospitality fit-out

Excellent client-facing skills

Problem-solving ability

Strong commercial awareness

Organisational skills

Education

Relevant project management qualifications

Job description

Contracts Manager - Hospitality Fit-Out

Our client is a leading specialist in hospitality and leisure fit‑out, delivering innovative, high‑end interiors for restaurants, bars, commercial kitchens, hotels and stadium hospitality across the UK. Renowned for craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality delivery, they manage the full project lifecycle from concept and design through to manufacture and final installation.

The Role

This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the delivery of multiple high‑spec hospitality fit‑out projects across the UK. You will oversee projects from pre‑start through to final handover, ensuring programmes, budgets, quality and client expectations are consistently met. The role suits someone with strong hospitality interiors experience who enjoys working in a fast‑paced, client‑facing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple hospitality fit‑out projects (bars, kitchens, restaurants and venues) from start to completion
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to specification
• Apply technical knowledge of commercial kitchens, bar systems, bespoke joinery, M&E integration and front‑of‑house finishes
• Act as main point of contact for clients throughout the contract and build strong long‑term relationships
• Lead site managers, subcontractors and installation teams to achieve seamless delivery
• Develop and manage project programmes, identify risks and critical paths
• Monitor costs, variations and margins in collaboration with QS and commercial teams
• Ensure full compliance with CDM regulations and H&S standards and carry out regular site inspections and quality checks
• Provide accurate progress reports to senior management and proactively flag issues and risks

About You

• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager within hospitality fit‑out (essential)
• Strong technical understanding of:
  • Commercial kitchens and catering systems
  • Bar installations
  • Bespoke joinery
  • Hospitality M&E and finishes
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple live projects
• Confident communicator with excellent client‑facing skills
• Strong commercial awareness and problem‑solving ability
• Hands‑on, proactive and delivery‑focused
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel nationwide
• SMSTS, CSCS (Manager) and First Aid desirable

What's on Offer

• Up to £60,000pa
• Company vehicle or car allowance
• Laptop, mobile and expenses
• Company pension (after 3 months)
• Private healthcare (after probation)
• Performance‑related bonus
• 32 days holiday including bank holidays
• Opportunity to work on some of the UK's most exciting hospitality projects
• Supportive, fast‑paced and collaborative culture