About the job

Description

A quick introduction to TSL

TSL is a national contractor delivering envelope maintenance, fire remediation and refurbishment projects for purpose-built student accommodation, stadia, and commercial real estate. Specialising in live buildings and complex environments, we expertly deliver everything from reactive small works to major multi-million-pound construction projects across the UK, working closely with building owners, investors, consultants, and facilities managers.

With an inhouse multi-disciplinary team, we are renowned for our robust investigations, innovative thinking, cost effective designs and honest advice - underpinning our impeccable record for delivering project excellence from concept to completion.

Job purpose

As the Contracts Manager, you will play a key role in overseeing the commercial and contractual performance of multiple construction projects. You will be responsible for ensuring each contract is delivered in line with its terms, managing key risks, optimising commercial outcomes, and maintaining client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Working closely with Project Managers, Commercial teams, Directors, and clients, you will provide strategic oversight, manage subcontractor agreements, and ensure projects remain compliant, cost-effective, and legally sound. Your contribution will be central to successful project delivery and the ongoing development of the business.

We're recruiting for a London-based project, and our offices are based in Denmead, Portsmouth.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety Management

▪ Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and wellbeing legislation across all project phases and activities.

▪ Work collaboratively with the SHEQ team to embed a proactive safety culture across all project stakeholders.

▪ Review and approve RAMS, monitor high-risk activities, and ensure controls are implemented on-site.

▪ Conduct leadership safety tours and enforce accountability for safe systems of work.

▪ Maintain emergency response and incident escalation procedures and ensure they are communicated and understood.

Project Delivery

▪ Lead the planning and successful execution of projects from pre-construction through to final handover and post-completion review.

▪ Develop and manage high-level programmes, procurement schedules, and project delivery plans.

▪ Coordinate design information release and package sign-offs to avoid construction delays.

▪ Chair project progress meetings internally and with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.

▪ Track progress against milestones and contractual dates, issuing early warnings and recovery strategies as required.

Quality Control

▪ Ensure works are executed to the required design, technical standards, and workmanship benchmarks.

▪ Oversee implementation of inspection and test plans (ITPs) and technical compliance regimes.

▪ Collaborate with the Quality team and subcontractors to address defects and non-conformances.

▪ Ensure completion of snagging, client walkdowns, and compliance with warranty, certification, and handover documentation requirements.

▪ Promote a culture of “right first time” and continuous improvement.

Labour and Workforce Management

▪ Coordinate with Site Managers to ensure labour resources are aligned with programme demands and productivity targets.

▪ Maintain visibility of subcontractor progress, resourcing plans, and team performance.

▪ Support the allocation of supervision and site leadership, ensuring site teams are properly structured and equipped.

▪ Provide mentorship and performance management to junior project team members, ensuring capability and succession planning.

Site Logistics and Tidiness

▪ Approve and oversee master logistics plans, cranage strategy, and site establishment layouts.

▪ Ensure site setup and ongoing layout support safe access, egress, storage, and working conditions.

▪ Manage constraints such as neighbouring developments, shared access, and delivery timings.

▪ Support implementation of just-in-time material delivery models and efficient material handling strategies.

Coordination

▪ Drive coordination between site teams, subcontractors, consultants, and internal functions (design, procurement, commercial).

▪ Manage the technical interface between packages, avoiding design clashes and programme disruption.

▪ Support resolution of RFIs and technical queries through collaboration with the design team.

▪ Ensure all departments are aligned to project objectives and clearly informed of progress, risks, and changes.

Team Leadership

▪ Lead and motivate the delivery team, promoting accountability, collaboration, and high standards.

▪ Set clear performance expectations for Site Managers, Engineers, and Supervisors.

▪ Conduct regular 1:1s, appraisals, and support CPD planning for direct reports.

▪ Foster a culture of ownership, positive communication, and shared success across the wider project team.

▪ Promote mental health awareness, fair treatment, and diversity across the workforce.

Cost and Commercial Management

▪ Support commercial teams in the management of budget forecasts, cost plans, and procurement strategies.

▪ Monitor changes and ensure accurate reporting of variations and change control items.

▪ Work with procurement to track subcontractor performance, approvals, and commercial compliance.

▪ Ensure applications for payment, progress claims, and final accounts are evidence-backed and aligned to delivery status.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

▪ Act as the primary operational point of contact for the client throughout the project lifecycle.

▪ Maintain professional and timely communication, ensuring client satisfaction remains central to delivery decisions.

▪ Resolve client concerns swiftly and transparently, with a focus on building trust and repeat business.

▪ Manage consultant and third-party interfaces to ensure external dependencies do not impact project delivery.

Environmental and Sustainability Compliance

▪ Ensure the project supports sustainability targets including waste minimisation, emissions reduction, and responsible sourcing.

▪ Support BREEAM or other environmental accreditations, as required by the contract or client brief.

▪ Manage noise, dust, and runoff mitigation measures, particularly on constrained or live sites.

▪ Promote circular economy principles and use of digital tools to track environmental KPIs.

Digital Tools, Systems and Reporting

▪ Utilise digital platforms (e.g. Procore, SharePoint, Asta/MS Project) to manage reporting, workflows, and collaboration.

▪ Oversee the production of weekly and monthly reports including programme, safety, commercial and risk data.

▪ Maintain clear audit trails for decisions, changes, and approvals.

▪ Support internal dashboards and reporting for business-wide performance and strategic planning.

Documentation and Close-Out

▪ Ensure timely collection and issue of project documentation including as-built drawings, certificates, warranties, and O&M manuals.

▪ Oversee project close-out meetings and lessons-learned workshops.

▪ Support the transition of the site from construction to aftercare, ensuring a smooth handover process and client satisfaction.

Multi-Site and Business-Wide Collaboration

▪ Where required, contribute to the coordination of multiple concurrent projects or phases.

▪ Share best practice across teams and contribute to group initiatives including standardisation, templates, and training.

▪ Support directors with input for bids, preconstruction support, and contractual reviews.

Key performance indicators

▪ Project milestones

▪ Safety performance

▪ Quality compliance

▪ Team productivity

▪ Resource efficiency

▪ Client satisfaction

▪ Budget adherence

▪ Site cleanliness

▪ Stakeholder collaboration

▪ Accurate reporting

▪ Environmental targets

▪ Risk resolution

▪ Dispute resolution

Knowledge and skills

Knowledge:

▪ Industry standards

▪ Regulatory compliance

▪ Contract negotiation

▪ Market trends

▪ Risk management

▪ Financial understanding

▪ Supplier management

▪ Communication

▪ ERP Systems (Procore, SharePoint)

Skills:

▪ Strategic thinking

▪ Negotiation

▪ Analytical ability

▪ Leadership

▪ Problem-solving

▪ Decision-making

▪ Time management

▪ Adaptability

▪ Ethical conduct

Making sure you're right for the role

Education

▪ Degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline

▪ SMSTS, First Aid at Work, Fire Marshal, and other site safety certifications

▪ Leadership, communication, and construction project management development

▪ Knowledge of construction law, building regulations, and CDM requirements

▪ Training in digital tools such as ERP platforms, project scheduling software (Asta/MS Project), and document management systems (Procore, SharePoint)

▪ Continuous professional development through CPD-accredited training, seminars, and industry memberships (e.g., CIOB, APM, RICS)

Experience:

▪ Significant experience in end-to-end project management within the construction industry

▪ Proven leadership of multidisciplinary site teams, subcontractors, and supply chain partners

▪ Successful delivery of medium to large-scale projects in line with programme, budget, and quality targets

▪ Strong capability in programme planning, sequencing, and progress tracking

▪ Demonstrated experience in managing project risk, cost control, and contract compliance

▪ Ability to manage client and consultant relationships, chair meetings, and maintain stakeholder satisfaction

▪ Comprehensive understanding of quality assurance, health and safety standards, and environmental compliance

▪ Skilled in producing accurate reports, commercial inputs, and project handover documentation

▪ Experience working in complex, live, or logistically constrained project environments is advantageous