Contracts Manager – Fire Safety & Decarbonisation
£95,000 + £7k-£10k Car Allowance + Package | London/South East | Hybrid
About the Company
Our client is a well-established specialist main contractor delivering critical building safety and decarbonisation programmes across the social housing sector. With long-term frameworks secured with housing associations, local authorities, and private landlords, they offer genuine stability and career progression in a sector that's never been more essential.
Their portfolio includes high-value façade remediation, fire safety compliance works, and PAS 2035-compliant retrofit programmes operating on projects from £5M to £25M+ with a secured pipeline extending through 2029 and beyond.
This is a business built on technical excellence, client relationships, and delivering complex refurbishment projects on occupied residential stock.
The Role
We're recruiting an experienced Contracts Manager to take ownership of a mixed portfolio of fire safety and decarbonisation projects across London and the South East. This is a hands-on leadership role, you'll manage projects directly while overseeing a small team of Project Managers and Site Managers, ensuring delivery to programme, budget, and the highest quality standards.
You'll be the main client interface on your contracts, responsible for commercial performance, risk management, resident satisfaction, and ensuring full compliance with Building Safety Act requirements, PAS 2035 standards, and CDM 2015 Regulations.
This role requires someone who can balance direct project delivery with strategic oversight rolling your sleeves up when needed while developing the team around you.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Contract Delivery:
* Manage a portfolio of projects valued between £5M - £15M (typically 2-4 live schemes concurrently)
* Deliver fire safety remediation works including ACM/HPL cladding replacement, compartmentation upgrades, fire door installations, and balcony replacements
* Oversee decarbonisation/retrofit programmes including external wall insulation (EWI), ASHP installations, solar PV, ventilation upgrades, and fabric-first measures under PAS 2035
* Ensure all works are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification on live, occupied residential buildings
* Manage project handovers, O&M manuals, Building Safety Act compliance documentation (Golden Thread), and defects liability periods
Commercial & Financial Management:
* Full P&L responsibility for contracts – monitor costs, cash flow, and commercial performance
* Manage monthly valuations, applications for payment, and final accounts with clients
* Assess and price variations, compensation events, and change orders (NEC3/4 and JCT contract experience)
* Implement Early Warning procedures and manage risk/opportunity registers
* Work closely with Commercial/QS teams to protect margin and maximise profitability
* Procure and manage subcontractor packages, ensuring value for money and quality delivery
Team Leadership & Development:
* Line manage Project Managers, Site Managers, and Assistant Site Managers
* Conduct performance reviews, set KPIs, and support professional development
* Mentor team members towards chartership (MCIOB, MRICS, etc.)
* Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on quality and client satisfaction
Client & Stakeholder Management:
* Act as senior client-facing contact – attend monthly progress meetings, steering groups, and board presentations
* Build strong relationships with housing association directors, local authority officers, and asset management teams
* Manage complex stakeholder environments including leaseholders, freeholders, RMCs, and residents
* Coordinate with Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs) to minimise disruption, manage decants, and maintain resident satisfaction scores
* Handle complaints, concerns, and escalations professionally and promptly
Essential Requirements
* Proven Contracts Manager experience in refurbishment, retrofit, or building safety works (minimum 5+ years at this level)
* Strong background in social housing, local authority, or housing association projects – understanding of tenant liaison, decants, and occupied schemes
* Experience managing fire safety/cladding remediation OR decarbonisation/retrofit projects
* Knowledge of PAS 2035, Building Safety Act 2022, EWS1, Building Regulations Part L & Part B
* Solid commercial acumen – experience managing P&L, valuations, variations, and final accounts
* Competent with NEC3/4 and JCT contracts (D&B, Intermediate, Minor Works)
* Team leadership experience – managing Project Managers and site-based staff
* Degree qualified (Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Building Surveying, or similar) or HNC/HND with significant experience
* CSCS Black Card – SMSTS, First Aid at Work desirable
* Full UK driving licence
What's On Offer
* Salary: £95,000 per annum
* Car Allowance
* Performance Bonus
* Pension
* Private Medical Insurance (including family cover after probation)
* Life Assurance
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays (rising to 28 days with service)
* Professional development: Chartership support, CPD allowance, industry training, and conference attendance
* Progression: Clear pathway to Senior Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, or Divisional Director roles