Job
Contracts Manager
- Department
- Construction
- Earning potential
- £30,000–£70,000
- Training time
- Varies; degree, apprenticeship and progression routes are available
Contracts managers help coordinate the successful delivery of building projects, bringing together programme, cost, quality, technical requirements and contractual responsibilities.
In house building, they often operate across developments and work closely with site and regional teams.
What I particularly love about my job is working with a great team of people to create superb quality homes and communities.
Dave
Contracts Manager introduction
Contracts managers help coordinate the successful delivery of building projects, bringing together programme, cost, quality, technical requirements and contractual responsibilities. In house building, they often operate across developments and work closely with site and regional teams.
The role of a contracts manager in house building
Overseeing developments, meeting programme, quality and cost targets, and managing contractual requirements. In some businesses the role is strongly operational, supporting several site managers; in others it includes more formal contract administration.
The role requires a broad understanding of construction delivery and the ability to coordinate people with different priorities. Contracts managers may review progress, budgets and technical standards, help resolve issues and act as an important link between site teams and senior management.
A day in the life of a contracts manager
A typical day could involve reviewing perrformance across developments, attending site meetings, discussing costs and variations with commercial colleagues, checking technical or quality issues and agreeing actions with site managers. You may also review contract information, prepare reports and speak with clients, consultants or subcontractors.
Skills for contracts manager work
- Construction management — You need to understand how projects are planned, sequenced and delivered.
- Commercial awareness — Programme decisions can affect budgets, contracts and project risk.
- Leadership — Contracts managers coordinate and influence several teams and stakeholders.
- Negotiation — You may need to agree actions, terms or solutions where priorities differ.
- Attention to detail — Contractual, technical and reporting requirements need careful control.
Routes into contracts manager work
You can enter contracts management through university, apprenticeships, direct construction experience or progression from site-management, surveying or project roles. Many employers look for a combination of practical experience and construction-related qualifications.
Qualifications and training
The National Careers Service notes that useful higher-education subjects include construction management, building studies, civil or structural engineering and quantity surveying, particularly where contract law is covered. Employer requirements vary, so current vacancy criteria should be checked.
The National Careers Service guidance provides a useful current overview of entry routes and qualification options.
Contracts Manager pay and earning potential
The National Careers Service currently gives an indicative salary range of about £30,000 for starters to £70,000 for experienced construction contracts managers. Earnings vary by employer, location, project responsibility and experience.
Career progression
Contracts managers can progress to senior contracts management, build or production management, construction director and other senior operational roles. The role can also build experience relevant to project, commercial or regional management.
Explore our career progression guide to see how experience can lead to different parts of the industry.
Find contracts manager opportunities
House builders need people with contracts manager skills at different stages of residential development. Explore employers and their careers pages to see where opportunities are available.
Contracts Manager FAQs
A contracts manager helps oversee construction delivery and contractual requirements, coordinating programme, quality, cost and project relationships.
Routes include construction-related study or apprenticeships and progression from experience in site surveying or project-management roles.
Requirements vary. Construction management, building, engineering or quantity surveying qualifications can be relevant, especially where they include contract law.
The National Careers Service currently gives an indicative range of around £30,000 to £70,000, depending on experience and responsibility.
Contracts Manager career path
- Construction Director
- Contracts Manager