Contracts Manager - 2026

Construction and Technical Recruitment; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 500,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle and fuel card provided

Job summary

Construction & Technical Recruitment (CTR) partners with a well-established commercial contractor to secure an experienced Contracts Manager for their Christchurch team.

You will manage multiple projects typically ranging from NZD 500k to NZD 5M across sectors including commercial office fit-outs, education, healthcare refurbishments, retail, and hospitality, with emphasis on client relationships, delivery outcomes, and team leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project management, contracts management, or senior site management within commercial construction.
• Strong background in interiors, fit-out, refurbishment, or small to medium commercial builds.
• Sound budgeting, cost control, and variations understanding.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple live projects from planning through to completion.
• Oversee programmes, budgets, procurement, quality, and delivery outcomes.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within agreed margins.
• Lead and coordinate project teams, site staff, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review contracts, manage variations, progress claims, and commercial reporting.
• Identify risks early and implement practical solutions.
• Drive quality workmanship and high presentation standards on all sites.
• Mentor and support junior project staff where required.
• Contribute to future business growth through repeat client opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Contracts management

Senior site management

Interiors & fit-out

Budgeting & cost control

Leadership & communication

Client relations

Job description

Construction & Technical Recruitment (CTR) is partnering with a well-established and highly respected commercial contractor to secure an experienced Contracts Manager to join their Christchurch team.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a capable construction professional who enjoys managing multiple projects, building strong client relationships, and taking ownership of delivery outcomes across a varied interiors and refurbishment portfolio.

With a strong pipeline of secured work across the region, this business is known for delivering quality projects, maintaining excellent client relationships, and providing genuine long-term career development for high-performing staff.

The Opportunity

You will take responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple projects at any one time, typically ranging from $500k to $5M, across sectors such as:

• Commercial office fit-outs
• Education upgrades
• Healthcare refurbishments
• Retail and hospitality projects
• Industrial and workplace improvements
• Interior alterations and staged refurbishment works

This role will suit someone who enjoys the balance of operations, client management, commercial oversight, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple live projects from planning through to completion
• Oversee programmes, budgets, procurement, quality, and delivery outcomes
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within agreed margins
• Lead and coordinate project teams, site staff, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Build and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle
• Review contracts, manage variations, progress claims, and commercial reporting
• Identify risks early and implement practical solutions
• Drive quality workmanship and high presentation standards on all sites
• Mentor and support junior project staff where required
• Contribute to future business growth through repeat client opportunities

About You

To be successful in this role, you will likely bring:

• Proven experience in project management, contracts management, or senior site management within commercial construction
• Strong background in interiors, fit‑out, refurbishment, or small to medium commercial builds
• Sound commercial understanding including budgeting, cost control, and variations
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously without losing attention to detail
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• A practical, solutions‑focused mindset
• Confidence dealing directly with clients, consultants, and subcontractors
• A positive team‑first attitude and desire to build long‑term success

Why Consider This Role?

• Join a respected contractor with an excellent reputation in the market
• Strong forward workload and job security
• Competitive salary package reflective of experience
• Vehicle and fuel card provided
• Opportunity to step into a senior leadership pathway over time
• Supportive, professional team culture
• Be based in Christchurch and enjoy the lifestyle with mountains and beaches on the door step