Full job descriptionContracts Manager – DFG AdaptationsLocation: Birmingham
Salary: Market Rates
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Office and field-based, with travel to citizens’ homes and project sites
We are recruiting an experienced Contracts Manager to take operational ownership of Disabled Facilities Grant adaptation projects from Purchase Order and Grant Approval through delivery, completion and aftercare.
This is a hands-on role managing a portfolio of live adaptation projects in occupied domestic properties. You will be responsible for ensuring works start promptly, are delivered safely and to the required standard, remain within approved scope and cost, and are properly completed, evidenced and closed out.
You will work closely with subcontractors, citizens, Quantity Surveyors, the Citizen Liaison Team, Occupational Therapists, local authority representatives and internal colleagues across Operations, Administration and Finance.
The roleYour responsibilities will include:
*Taking ownership of DFG projects following Purchase Order / Grant Approval.
*Reviewing approved scopes, drawings, specifications, quotations and Purchase Orders before works commence.
*Mobilising subcontractors and ensuring projects start within required timescales.
*Managing multiple live construction and adaptation projects through to practical completion.
*Attending sites to monitor programme, workmanship, quality, Health & Safety and compliance.
*Identifying delays or delivery risks early and implementing or escalating recovery actions.
*Managing subcontractor performance and addressing poor workmanship, repeated defects or compliance concerns.
*Ensuring works are delivered in accordance with approved designs, specifications and funding approval.
*Managing unforeseen works and variations, including obtaining supporting photographs, measurements, quotations and justification.
*Preventing unauthorised variations or additional costs.
*Completing and recording Health & Safety inspections and audits.
*Identifying unsafe working practices and taking appropriate action where necessary.
*Maintaining professional and compassionate communication with disabled, elderly and vulnerable citizens.
*Managing completion inspections, snagging and project close-out.
*Ensuring completion packs contain the required photographs, certificates, warranties, sign-offs and variation records.
*Reviewing final project costs against Purchase Orders and approved variations.
*Maintaining accurate project records across approved internal systems.
*Supporting internal audits, contract monitoring and local authority reporting.
About youWe are looking for someone with practical construction knowledge who is comfortable taking ownership of projects and managing contractors in occupied homes.
You should have:
*Experience managing construction, adaptations, maintenance or installation works in occupied domestic properties.
*Experience managing multiple live projects and subcontractors.
*A practical understanding of construction quality, defects, Health & Safety and site risk.
*Experience of variations, change control, cost management and project completion.
*The ability to interpret drawings, scopes, specifications and Purchase Orders.
*Strong organisation and project-management skills.
*Good practical judgement and problem-solving ability.
*Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge contractors appropriately.
*Excellent attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
*Commercial awareness and a strong sense of project ownership.
*A compassionate and respectful approach when working in citizens’ homes.
*A collaborative approach to working with operational, technical and support teams.
SMSTS or an equivalent qualification is desirable.
A full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle for business travel are required.
A satisfactory DBS check may also be required.
Key performance expectationsThe role will work towards clear operational standards, including:
*Works commencing within 10 working days of Purchase Order.
*Subcontractor handover completed within 48 hours.
*Variation queries progressed or answered within 48 hours.
*Internal works delivered within applicable 10-week targets.
*External works delivered within applicable 20-week targets.
*Health & Safety and site audits completed accurately and on time.
*Completion packs compiled within five days.
*Operational support provided for final invoicing within 10 working days.
*Snagging and defects resolved within agreed timescales.
Why this role mattersDFG adaptation works can make a significant difference to a citizen’s independence, safety and quality of life.
We are therefore looking for someone who combines strong construction and contract-management capability with professionalism, accountability and an understanding of what it means to deliver works inside the homes of disabled and vulnerable people.
If you have experience delivering residential construction, adaptations, maintenance or installation projects and enjoy taking projects from mobilisation through to successful completion, we would like to hear from you.