Overview
Morris & Spottiswood are one of the UK’s leading providers of fitout, refurbishment, M&E and construction services. As a family‑owned business with a proud track record of excellence, we aim high, act responsibly and place significant value on our people, our clients and the communities we serve.
We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our Public Sector division on a full‑time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe, efficient and timely delivery of Morris & Spottiswood projects, ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance and client satisfaction are achieved throughout.
This role will be based in either our Warrington or Leeds office, with a hybrid working model available. Travel to live sites will be required, with projects generally located across England.
Reporting to the Operations Manager/Operations Director, the Contracts Manager will play a key role in operational leadership, client management and the delivery of multiple concurrent projects.
Key Responsibilities
* Managing the end‑to‑end delivery of public‑sector projects, ensuring safety, programme, quality and commercial objectives are met.
* Acting as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring clear and effective communication throughout each project lifecycle.
* Leading and coordinating project teams, including site managers and subcontractors, while supporting the development and performance of operational staff.
* Working closely with the Commercial team to manage contract finances, budgets and cost controls.
* Overseeing procurement strategies, subcontractor management and materials planning in conjunction with the Procurement department.
* Ensuring full compliance with all Health & Safety legislation and Morris & Spottiswood’s internal H&S Management Systems.
* Planning, programming and phasing works at tender stage and project outset using construction programming software and communicating clearly to clients and stakeholders.
* Managing and chairing client, subcontractor and internal team meetings effectively, delegating appropriately and ensuring timely decision‑making.
Project Experience
Projects in the Public Sector division are varied and technically diverse, ranging from simple internal refurbishments of occupied offices to full external works, cladding packages, small new builds and extensions, typically within live environments. Project values usually range from £500k up to £5–6m. Clients commonly include universities, schools, hospitals, police authorities, courts and office refits, plus other public sector bodies requiring the successful candidate to demonstrate a broad range of sector experience and the ability to operate within sensitive, security‑controlled environments. The role will therefore require the ability to pass relevant security vetting for work within such settings.
Tendering & Business Development
* Effectively develop and program works using construction development software.
* Produce clear, well‑structured methodologies and presentations to support bids.
* Engage with clients at the pre‑construction stage to help secure new work and key accounts.
Person Specification
* Extensive experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
* Previous experience working for a blue‑chip contractor.
* Strong leadership and line management capability at a senior level.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting to both internal and external stakeholders.
* Sound commercial awareness and a proactive problem‑solving approach.
* The ability to work flexibly, manage competing priorities and lead teams effectively.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Hold a valid Management‑related CSC Card, SMSTS, and First Aid certification.
* Be fully IT literate, with advanced proficiency in Word and Excel.
* Hold a full UK driving licence.
* Be flexible in working hours and willing to work from either office or site as required.
Package & Benefits
* Salary: Competitive depending on experience, pro rata.
* Benefits: Car allowance, pension scheme, BUPA healthcare cover for couples.
* Annual leave: 25 days plus 8 public holidays.
EEO & Diversity
Morris & Spottiswood is an equal‑opportunity employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, or civil partnership.
We are passionate about investing in our people and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that supports innovation, collaboration and long‑term success.
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