Jobs in Woodingdean

Contracts Manager – Roofing & Construction

Location: West Sussex, with travel across London & the South East

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Recruitment Partner: SearchTech

The Opportunity

SearchTech is recruiting an experienced Contracts Manager on behalf of an established and growing specialist roofing and construction contractor operating across London and the South East.

This is a senior operational and commercially focused position with responsibility for the full lifecycle delivery of a portfolio of roofing and associated construction projects, from pre-construction and enabling works through to completion and final account.

This is not simply a project oversight role. The successful Contracts Manager will take genuine ownership of contract performance, including commercial control, supply chain management, project profitability, client relationships and the development of site-based teams.

You will work closely with senior operational management while having significant autonomy across your own project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Contract & Commercial Management

Take full ownership of contract performance across assigned projects from pre-construction through to final account.

Control project costs including labour, materials, subcontract packages and overhead recovery.

Review valuations, variations and final accounts to ensure accurate and timely commercial recovery.

Proactively identify, record and submit variations.

Maintain accurate financial forecasting and cost reporting across the project portfolio.

Identify opportunities to improve project margins and strengthen the commercial position of each contract.

Ensure contractual notices, obligations and relevant time bars are managed correctly.

Work closely with commercial and senior management teams to ensure clear visibility of project performance.

Supply Chain & Procurement

Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and key supply chain partners.

Manage subcontract packages commercially from procurement through to final account.

Ensure materials are ordered accurately, competitively and within appropriate lead times.

Minimise waste and identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency.

Develop preferred supplier relationships that support quality, value and reliable delivery.

Identify opportunities to consolidate purchasing and improve commercial terms.

Operational Leadership

Ensure projects are properly planned, resourced and mobilised from the outset.

Support and develop Site Managers while maintaining clear accountability for delivery.

Monitor projects against programme, budget and agreed quality standards.

Identify risks early and implement corrective actions before they impact programme or profitability.

Ensure works comply with drawings, specifications, manufacturer requirements and statutory obligations.

Drive continuous improvement in project planning, procurement and delivery.

Health, Safety & Quality

Promote a positive and proactive safety culture across all projects.

Ensure compliance with RAMS, CDM Regulations, the Building Safety Act and company H&S requirements.

Maintain consistently high standards of workmanship and quality.

Minimise defects, rework and poor-quality handovers.

Support audits, investigations and corrective actions where required.

Ensure SHEQ requirements are embedded throughout each project's lifecycle.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, contract administrators and supply chain partners.

Represent the business professionally throughout the delivery process.

Manage client expectations proactively and communicate project issues clearly and early.

Resolve issues before they escalate wherever possible.

Develop long-term relationships that encourage repeat business.

Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and project scopes.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, support and hold accountable Site Managers and operational teams across the portfolio.

Conduct regular project and performance reviews.

Identify training and development requirements.

Support succession planning and the development of junior and intermediate managers.

Promote a working culture based on integrity, collaboration, professionalism and accountability.

Technical Responsibilities

Maintain a strong understanding of roofing systems and associated construction works.

Provide credible technical support throughout project delivery.

Ensure manufacturer specifications and guarantee requirements are achieved.

Stay informed on new roofing products, systems, technologies and industry best practice.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

Proven experience managing roofing or construction contracts with commercial responsibility.

Strong understanding of project cost control, variations and financial performance.

Experience commercially managing subcontractors and supply chain packages.

Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.

Experience leading site-based operational teams.

Good understanding of health and safety legislation, CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act.

Commercially focused, organised and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

SMSTS certification.

Construction, surveying, commercial management or related qualification.

Experience working within public sector, framework or negotiated contract environments.

Strong knowledge of roofing systems.

Experience using digital project management and reporting platforms.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Contracts Manager will consistently deliver projects safely, profitably and to a high standard.

Projects will achieve or outperform target margins, variations will be properly captured and recovered, supply chain costs will be controlled and final accounts will be concluded efficiently.

Equally important will be the development of strong Site Managers, long-term client relationships and a project portfolio where risks are identified and resolved early.

Package & Benefits

Competitive salary dependent on experience.

Company vehicle or vehicle allowance.

Private healthcare, with the option to extend cover to family members.

Phone, tablet and laptop.

Ongoing investment in training, qualifications and professional development.

Genuine autonomy over a portfolio of projects.

Clear opportunities for progression into senior operational management.

SearchTech is acting as recruitment partner for this appointment. Applications will be treated confidentially