Overview

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of secured projects, we are currently recruiting for a Contracts Manager on behalf of an established, family-owned construction and refurbishment contractor specialising in social housing, planned maintenance, retrofit and decarbonisation projects across the North of England.

Operating for over 30 years, they are a well-established regional main contractor, with an annual turnover of approximately £40 million and a workforce of over 300 employees. They work closely with local authorities, housing associations and public-sector organisations, delivering large-scale housing refurbishment, maintenance and energy-efficiency improvement programmes.

The company has recently secured a £5.2 million contract with Leeds City Council as part of the Wave 3 Phase 2 social housing decarbonisation programme. The project involves energy-efficiency upgrades to existing housing stock, including external wall insulation and air source heat pump installations, aimed at improving the thermal performance of properties and reducing carbon emissions.

The Contracts Manager shall be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of social housing retrofit and refurbishment contracts across Leeds and West Yorkshire. Working closely with Site Managers, Quantity Surveyors, subcontractors, Resident Liaison teams and clients, the role will ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality and compliance standards.

The position will involve managing multiple sites and operational teams, coordinating resources and subcontractors, monitoring programme performance and commercial delivery, and maintaining strong relationships with local authorities and housing associations. Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring works are completed in accordance with retrofit specifications, PAS 2035 requirements and relevant Health & Safety legislation, whilst minimising disruption to residents in occupied properties.

The Contracts Manager will typically oversee External Wall Insulation (EWI) programmes, Window and door replacement schemes, Insulation and building fabric improvements, External refurbishment works, Roofing and associated maintenance works, Social housing decarbonisation projects, Energy-efficiency improvement programmes and wider planned maintenance and refurbishment contracts.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the successful delivery of multiple social housing retrofit and refurbishment contracts from mobilisation through to completion.
• Managing and supporting Site Managers, supervisors, direct labour and subcontractors across multiple projects.
• Taking overall responsibility for programme delivery, operational performance, quality and Health & Safety.
• Managing EWI, window and door replacement, insulation and associated refurbishment programmes.
• Developing, reviewing and monitoring project programmes to ensure works are delivered on time and to specification.
• Ensuring projects are appropriately resourced with labour, materials, plant, scaffold and specialist subcontractors.
• Monitoring contract performance, productivity, progress and operational costs to ensure efficient delivery.
• Working closely with Quantity Surveyors and commercial teams to manage budgets, variations, valuations and contract profitability.
• Identifying and managing operational and commercial risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensuring works comply with retrofit designs, specifications, PAS 2035 requirements and relevant quality and Health & Safety standards.
• Supporting Site Managers with technical and operational challenges while monitoring subcontractor performance.
• Overseeing quality inspections, snagging, defects, remedial works and project handovers.
• Leading regular progress meetings and maintaining strong relationships with local authorities, housing associations, clients and subcontractors.
• Working closely with Resident Liaison teams to minimise disruption and maintain effective communication with residents in occupied properties.
• Maintaining accurate project records, compliance documentation and performance reports, providing regular updates to senior management.

Skills & Attributes

• Relevant construction management qualification (NVQ Level 6, HNC, HND or degree) desirable.
• SMSTS.
• First Aid at Work.
• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager within social housing retrofit, refurbishment or planned maintenance.
• Strong experience delivering EWI and/or energy-efficiency improvement programmes.
• Experience overseeing multiple projects, managing Site Managers, direct labour, subcontractors and operational teams.
• Previous experience delivering refurbishment and retrofit works within occupied social housing properties.
• Good knowledge of retrofit delivery, PAS 2035 and associated compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of contract management, programme delivery, budgets, commercial performance and operational risk.
• Experience working with local authorities, housing associations and social housing providers.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance, compliance and Health & Safety legislation.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to maintain strong client relationships.
• Proactive, commercially aware and highly organised, with a proven track record of delivering multiple projects safely, on time, within budget and to a high standard.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Note: Apex M&E Solutions are acting as an Employment Agency.