Contracts Manager

Location: Oswestry, Shropshire
Salary: £55,000 – £70,000+ per annum, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent
Start Date: 16th November 2026

Absolute Personnel Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Contracts Manager to join a successful, privately owned construction business based in Shropshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced construction professional to take ownership of allocated projects from pre-construction through to completion, bringing together people, programme, quality, safety and commercial performance to deliver outstanding results.

Working closely with the Senior Management Team, you will have exposure to both the strategic and operational side of the business while taking day-to-day responsibility for project delivery.

The Role

As Contracts Manager, you will be responsible for leading projects from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring they are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest possible standard.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading projects from pre-construction through to completion.
• Leading and developing Site Managers and project teams, setting clear expectations and encouraging strong team performance.
• Managing programmes, procurement and resources, anticipating challenges and taking action to keep projects moving.
• Taking ownership of project performance and working closely with the Commercial Team to manage budgets, costs, variations, risks and contractual obligations.
• Building strong client and stakeholder relationships and acting as a senior point of contact throughout projects.
• Managing subcontractors and suppliers, driving performance, quality and collaboration.
• Maintaining high standards of health, safety, quality and environmental performance.
• Driving quality from the outset, with a strong focus on getting things right first time and ensuring smooth, well-managed handovers.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, including value engineering, efficiency and lessons learned.
• Reporting clearly on project performance and providing insight and recommendations to senior management.
• Contributing to the wider growth and development of the business through your experience, ideas and leadership.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager with a strong background in the building construction sector.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience within the building construction industry.
• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager, Senior Contracts Manager or in a similar senior construction management position.
• A strong track record of successfully delivering new build and refurbishment projects.
• Experience working on complex projects, ideally within education, healthcare or other live environments.
• Solid knowledge and experience of JCT and NEC contracts.
• Excellent technical knowledge and a strong understanding of construction methodology.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing project budgets and financial performance.
• Experience with construction programming, procurement and resource planning.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety requirements and SHE standards.
• Experience managing and developing Site Managers and project teams.
• Excellent communication, leadership and negotiation skills.
• The confidence to make decisions, solve problems and challenge when necessary.
• A professional and personable approach to client and stakeholder relationships.
• A strong commitment to quality and getting the job right first time.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent.
• A full UK driving licence.

Salary & Benefits

• £55,000 – £70,000+ per annum, depending on experience and level of responsibility.
• Company car allowance.
• Potential performance-related bonus.
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing with length of service at 2, 5 and 10 years.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Company pension scheme.
• Private healthcare.

This is a permanent position with a planned start date of 16th November 2026.

The client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and participates in the Disability Confident scheme. Applications are welcomed from candidates with disabilities who meet the criteria for the role.

The company also proudly supports the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourages applications from veterans, reservists and members of the Armed Forces community.

About the Client

Our client is a successful, privately owned construction business based in Shropshire, delivering a range of new build, refurbishment and construction projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established business where you will have the opportunity to make a real impact, work alongside an experienced senior management team and contribute to the continued growth of the organisation.

Apply today if you are interested.