Contracts Manager / Project Director

The Contracts Manager / Project Director will take overall responsibility for the strategic leadership, delivery, and performance of a major building project in Bath, South West England. Acting as both project lead and senior operational authority, the role will ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, while leading high-performing teams and maintaining excellent client relationships.
This role would suit a senior construction professional with experience leading complex schemes, ideally within Student Accommodation, PBSA, or BTR environments, who is ready to drive successful outcomes and contribute to the wider business strategy., Strategic & Operational Project Leadership
Act as overall project lead with full responsibility for delivery, performance, and commercial outcomes.
Provide clear leadership and direction to Project Managers, Site Teams, Engineers, and Supply Chain partners.
Arrange and chair handover meetings between Estimating and Operations.
Ensure projects are delivered in line with programme, quality expectations, and budget parameters.
Prepare and present detailed progress and performance reports to senior leadership.
Commercial & Financial Management
Take full accountability for commercial performance across all contracts under your control.
Maintain close collaboration with Commercial and Finance teams.
Oversee cost control, procurement strategies, and value engineering.
Manage change control processes and ensure variations are captured and agreed.
Support tender adjudication and pre-construction planning as required.
Supply Chain Management
Lead supply chain selection, interviews, and subcontractor appointments.
Approve work packages prior to award.
Chair subcontractor pre-start and performance review meetings.
Foster strong, collaborative, and high-performing supply chain relationships.
Health, Safety & Quality
Hold overall responsibility for SHE performance across all projects.
Ensure compliance with GRAHAM's SHE policies and statutory regulations.
Lead by example, promoting a proactive and positive safety culture.
Ensure quality standards and inspection regimes are maintained throughout delivery.
Client & Stakeholder Management
Act as lead point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative client relationships.
Manage client engagement from project inception through to handover and defects completion.
Represent GRAHAM professionally at meetings and industry engagements.
People Management & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop project and site-based teams.
Support recruitment and succession planning where required.
Promote high standards of collaboration, accountability, and performance.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
Business & Strategic Contribution
Contribute to senior management discussions and departmental strategy.
Support continuous improvement of systems, processes, and delivery models.
Maintain awareness of legislative, industry, and market developments.

Experience & Technical Skills
Proven experience operating at Contracts Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Project Director level within the construction industry.
Strong background delivering complex building projects (e.g. PBSA, Student Accommodation, BTR, Commercial, Residential, Education, Healthcare).
Demonstrable leadership of large, multidisciplinary site teams.
Strong commercial acumen, including cost control, procurement, and contract administration (NEC and/or JCT).
Excellent understanding of modern construction methods, sequencing, and buildability.
Proven track record of delivering projects safely, on programme, and to specification.
Competent IT skills using construction and reporting platforms.
Qualifications
HNC / HND or Degree in Construction, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
CSCS Manager Level Card.
SMSTS certification.
Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable Competencies
Collaborative and influential approach with supply chain partners
Resilient problem-solver, confident operating under pressure
Professional, values-led individual with a commitment to continuous improvement