Contracts Manager

Are you an experienced Contracts Manager looking for your next opportunity in the North East region?

A new opportunity has arisen for a motivated and commercially aware Contracts Manager to join a well-established main contractor delivering high-quality construction projects across the commercial, educational, and industrial sectors.

This Contracts Manager role in Durham and the wider North East is an excellent opportunity to take a senior leadership position within an established delivery team, overseeing multiple projects and driving successful outcomes from pre-construction through to completion.

Our client is a reputable Tier 2 construction main contractor with a proven track record in delivering complex schemes, including schools, office spaces, supermarkets, and industrial developments up to £25m in value.

With a strong reputation for quality, collaboration, and integrity, they pride themselves on building lasting relationships with clients and partners, while maintaining a clear focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Due to continued growth and an expanding project portfolio, they are now seeking an experienced Contracts Manager in the North East to strengthen their senior leadership team and support ongoing success across the region.

As Contracts Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple projects across the region. You will provide strategic oversight from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring all projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

You will lead and support Project Managers and site teams, oversee commercial performance, and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

Key responsibilities of the Contracts Manager include:

• Oversee and manage multiple construction projects from inception through to completion
• Ensure overall responsibility for Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental performance across all projects
• Provide leadership and support to Project Managers, Site Managers, and delivery teams
• Monitor project programmes and ensure timely delivery across all schemes
• Ensure projects are delivered within budget and in line with client specifications
• Oversee CVR processes, financial reporting, and cost control across the portfolio
• Work closely with the Commercial team and Managing Quantity Surveyor to drive performance
• Identify risks and opportunities across projects to maximise value and efficiency
• Champion a strong health & safety culture across all operations
• Ensure full compliance with HSE legislation and company policies
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and performance reviews
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, consultants, and stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat business
• Lead senior project meetings and provide strategic reporting to directors
• Drive collaboration across internal teams and external subcontractors
• Ensure high standards of quality and successful project handovers

To be successful in this Contracts Manager role in the North East, candidates should ideally have:

• Proven experience in a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager role within construction
• Strong experience managing multiple design & build projects simultaneously
• Degree qualified (Level 6/7) or equivalent industry experience
• Strong commercial, planning, and technical knowledge
• A solid background in delivering new build construction schemes across multiple sectors
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving profitability
• Experience working on projects typically valued between £4m – £25m
• A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach
• SMSTS, CSCS, First Aid & Temporary Works certification
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure safe, high-quality project delivery

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market-leading regional contractor with a strong presence across the North East and an impressive pipeline of work.

As a Contracts Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping project delivery, influencing business performance, and contributing to the continued growth of the business.

Package includes:

• Competitive salary package up to £90,000 (dependent on experience)
• Company car / car allowance
• Annual bonus scheme
• Generous annual leave and additional benefits
• Supportive working environment with strong leadership team
• Exposure to a variety of projects across multiple sectors
• Genuine opportunities for progression into senior leadership roles
• Ongoing professional development within a reputable Tier 2 contractor
• Strong focus on health, safety, and quality

Apply Now: Contracts Manager – Durham / North East

Apply today to join a respected main contractor delivering some of the region’s most exciting construction projects.

Atkins Search acts as an employment agency for the Built Environment including but not limited to Construction, Consultancy, Residential and Infrastructure sectors. By submitting your CV, you consent to Atkins Search processing your personal data in line with our Privacy Policy. At Atkins Search, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone throughout the recruitment process. Please note that any salary or benefits listed are indicative only and subject to suitability of skills and experience.