The Contracts Manager is a delivery leadership role responsible for the safe, compliant and commercially controlled delivery of SaveMoneyCutCarbon’s key multi-site client programmes across the UK.
Operating across multiple regions, sites and technologies, the role provides senior on-site oversight and assurance over contractors and principal contractors delivering installation and construction works. While day-to-day site activity is typically managed by the Internal Delivery Units and relevant supply chain, the Contracts Manager retains accountability for ensuring delivery aligns with contractual obligations, programme commitments, quality standards, and rigorous QHSE and CDM requirements.
The role acts as the primary operational interface between SaveMoneyCutCarbon development & operations, client property teams and contractors, leading contractor governance, progress validation, issue resolution, variation control and budget oversight. Clear, accurate reporting and proactive communication are central to the role, ensuring transparency, effective decision-making and strong client confidence throughout programme delivery.
Combining strong on-site leadership with commercial and contractual acumen, the Contracts Manager drives consistency, performance and continuous improvement across complex delivery environments. The role is critical in protecting client outcomes, managing delivery risk, and ensuring programmes achieve measurable cost, carbon and operational benefits.
As programmes evolve, the Contracts Manager will support subsequent delivery phases and contribute to the wider operational maturity and growth of SaveMoneyCutCarbon’s business operations and business units, embedding best practice in contractor management, QHSE governance and commercial control across the organisation.
Technologies & Work Types
Projects and programmes may include multiple technologies and measures typical to retrofit and decarbonisation delivery, including (but not limited to):
* Solar PV and associated electrical works
* LED lighting upgrades
* Controls and monitoring
* HVAC improvements
* Fabric and insulation measures
* Water reduction technologies
* Ancillary construction and enabling works
* Surveys, validation works, commissioning and handover documentation
Key Accountabilities
1) Delivery Leadership & Programme Control
* Provide senior on-site oversight and assurance across all regions and sites, ensuring works are executed in accordance with contract requirements, design intent, scope, programme plans and client expectations.
* Maintain a clear, up-to-date view of programme status across all sites and contractors, identifying risks and delays early and supporting PCs to recover programme performance.
* Conduct regular site progress checks, validate reported progress, and ensure schedule integrity across multiple concurrent workstreams.
* Drive consistency across contractor delivery approaches, governance routines, reporting, and site standards.
2) Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (QHSE) – “Safety First”
* Maintain a strong visible safety leadership presence across site activities.
* Conduct routine QHSE and compliance spot checks, ensuring PCs adhere to:
o CDM 2015 requirements
o Site safety plans, RAMS and permits
o SMCC and client safety standards
o Competency requirements and training
* Escalate safety concerns immediately, ensure corrective actions are implemented and closed out.
* Support the development and continuous improvement of SMCC delivery standards, checklists, and quality assurance processes.
* Ensure quality inspections are completed and snagging is robustly managed, leading to “right first time” outcomes.
3) Contract & Commercial Management
* Ensure Principal Contractors deliver in line with contractual obligations, including scope, programme, performance standards, documentation and reporting requirements.
* Manage and support commercial control of delivery including:
o Variation identification and early notification
o Client instruction process compliance
o Pricing checks and negotiation support
o Change control and approvals
o Budget forecasting and cost-to-complete updates
* Challenge contractor claims constructively, ensuring value for money and programme integrity.
4) Stakeholder Management & Communication
* Act as the key delivery interface between SMCC operations, SMCC Business Units and the Client, ensuring clear and consistent communications.
* Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders, local site representatives Internal Delivery Teams and Principal / Sub-Contractors.
* Lead problem-solving and resolution of site issues, operational constraints, programme conflicts, and client concerns.
* Support client meetings, site walkarounds and programme governance forums as required.
5) Reporting & Governance
* Provide regular reporting into SMCC operational governance and client reporting forums, including:
o Progress and programme performance
o Risks and mitigations
o QHSE findings and actions
o Quality and snagging performance
o Budget, variations and cost control
o Contractor performance insights
* Maintain accurate records to support audit trails and programme transparency.
6) Continuous Improvement & Growth Support
* Capture lessons learned and translate them into improved delivery processes, templates and standards for future programmes.
* Support SMCC growth by strengthening delivery capability, contractor performance frameworks, and field operations practice.
* Contribute to development of scalable delivery models for new business unit expansions (solar PV, retrofit, demand reduction).
Skills, Knowledge & Experience (Essential)
* Extensive experience delivering multi-site retrofit, construction or M&E programmes (ideally national, multi-region).
* Demonstrable track record of managing Principal Contractors and supply chains with strong performance control.
* Strong CDM 2015 knowledge and practical application (including site safety governance and duty-holder responsibilities).
* Highly competent in QHSE leadership with a “zero harm” mindset and ability to challenge unsafe behaviours.
* Strong commercial and contractual awareness including variations, budget control, contractor negotiation and change control, with working knowledge of standard forms of contract JCT, MF/1, NEC, etc.
* Confident stakeholder manager with experience dealing with client property teams and senior client stakeholders.
* Strong reporting discipline and the ability to provide clear programme insight for governance and decision-making.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities across multiple live sites.
* Ability to travel extensively across the UK; full UK driving licence.
Qualifications (Essential / Highly Desirable)
Essential
* IOSH Managing Safely
* SMSTS (or SSSTS minimum)
* Formal Project Management qualification or equivalent experience (PRINCE2 / APM / PMQ or demonstrable track record)
Highly Desirable
* NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent demonstrable H&S leadership competence)
* Degree / HNC / HND in Construction Management, Engineering, Building Services or similar
* Retrofit-related qualifications or familiarity with PAS 2035 / TrustMark environments (where relevant)
* CSCS Level 7 Black Card
Key Behaviours & Competencies
* Safety leadership and personal accountability
* Strong contractor management and performance challenge
* Calm, structured problem-solving under pressure
* Commercial sharpness; understands cost, risk, value and contract drivers
* Proactive communicator who prevents issues through visibility and clarity
* High integrity; dependable governance and reporting discipline
* Resilient, practical, hands-on and solutions-oriented
Additional Information
* This is a field-first role and will involve regular travel and site presence.
* The role will require occasional overnight stays depending on region and programme needs.
* SMCC is committed to safe delivery, ethical supply chains, and measurable decarbonisation outcomes.
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