Contracts Manager

Description:

An established specialist contractor is looking to recruit a Contracts Manager to oversee a portfolio of heritage conservation and historic building restoration projects across Suffolk.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Project Manager or an ambitious construction professional looking to progress into a Contracts Manager position, with a background in heritage conservation and a genuine understanding of traditional building methods.

You will be responsible for overseeing approximately two to three projects at any one time, coordinating specialist teams and subcontractors, managing project costs and programmes, and ensuring all works are delivered to the required quality standards.

The successful candidate will combine strong organisational and commercial skills with a passion for preserving historic buildings and delivering high-quality conservation work.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the delivery of multiple heritage conservation and historic building restoration projects simultaneously.

Develop and monitor project programmes, ensuring works are delivered on time and within budget.

Coordinate specialist tradespeople, conservators, subcontractors and suppliers.

Monitor project costs, budgets and expenditure, identifying and managing commercial risks.

Assist with estimating, tendering, pricing and procurement activities.

Manage contract variations, valuations and cost reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

Maintain effective relationships with clients, architects, consultants and other project stakeholders.

Oversee quality control, ensuring works meet project specifications and conservation standards.

Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and contractual requirements.

Identify and resolve project challenges, maintaining progress and minimising disruption.

Provide regular updates on project performance, programme, costs and delivery.

Essential Requirements

Proven experience managing projects within heritage conservation, historic building restoration or architectural conservation.

A sound understanding of traditional building materials, historic construction methods and conservation principles.

Experience coordinating site teams, specialist trades and subcontractors.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Commercial awareness, including project budgets, cost control and contract variations.

Excellent communication, problem-solving and client relationship management skills.

A proactive approach to project delivery, quality and safety.

Desirable Experience

Experience working on listed buildings, historic estates, ecclesiastical buildings or other heritage properties.

Knowledge of traditional masonry, stonework, lime mortar, plasterwork or decorative conservation.

Experience working alongside conservation architects and heritage consultants.

Relevant construction, project management or heritage conservation qualifications.

The Ideal Candidate

This position would suit a Project Manager, Assistant Contracts Manager or Senior Site Manager with a genuine background in heritage conservation who is ready to take the next step in their career.

You may already be managing restoration projects independently and looking to take ownership of a wider portfolio, or you may be seeking an opportunity to progress into a Contracts Manager role.

Candidates from general civil engineering, infrastructure or residential new-build backgrounds without direct heritage conservation experience will not be suitable.

Salary & Location

Salary: £50,000–£55,000 per annum.

Location: Suffolk, with projects across the surrounding area.

Responsibilities: Management of approximately two to three projects at any one time.

If you have the relevant heritage conservation experience and are looking for an opportunity to develop your career within a specialist area of construction, we would welcome a confidential discussion