Company Overview
Sovereign Group Limited is a reputable manufacturer and installer of windows and doors, serving local authorities, housing associations, health trusts, educational institutions, and universities. With many years of experience, we are committed to delivering quality solutions that meet the needs of our clients.
Role Purpose
The Contracts Manager is responsible for managing and administering contracts from initiation to completion, ensuring delivery aligns with contractual obligations, performance standards, and commercial targets. The role bridges commercial agreements and day-to-day site execution, ensuring compliance, performance, and issue resolution in real time.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Overview
- Ensure Contract is set up correctly in line with the contract and Sovereign management Systems.
- Liaise with and manage the survey department to deliver surveys for your project on time.
- Ensure all resources and installation materials are prepared and delivered in a timely manner.
- Oversee contract execution on-site to ensure obligations are met.
- Act as the primary contract representative for customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Ensure works/services are delivered in line with agreed scope, timelines, and standards.
2. Contract Administration
- Administer contract terms, including variations, change orders, and amendments.
- Maintain accurate site records (instructions, variations, correspondence, progress).
- Ensure proper documentation of all contractual communications.
- Manage any site teams either directly or through the appropriate site management.
- Ensure the commercial and production teams have all the information they need to administer the contract.
3. Performance & SLA Management
- Complete, or have the site team complete, daily site diaries
- Complete or have the site team complete, Weekly Reports
- Complete regular, relevant, toolbox talks.
- Monitor and Manage Health and Safety on site.
- Monitor and report on KPIs, SLAs, and contractual deliverables.
- Identify underperformance and implement corrective actions.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives on-site.
4. Commercial Control
- Manage contract value, variations, and cost implications at site level.
- Identify opportunities to improve margins or reduce costs.
- Support valuation, invoicing, and financial tracking processes.
- Ensure notices of delay (incurred or caused) are notified correctly under the contract
5. Risk & Issue Management
- Identify contractual risks and escalate where required.
- Manage disputes, claims, and issues at site level.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations to minimise liability.
6. Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Build strong working relationships with:
- Site teams
- Clients/customers
- Subcontractors and suppliers
- Act as the key point of contact for contractual matters on-site.
7. Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to health & safety, legal, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure site activities comply with contractual terms and company policies.
- Support audits and inspections.
Key Skills & Experience
Technical Skills
- Experience managing contracts in an operational/site environment (e.g., manufacturing, construction, engineering, FM)
- Strong understanding of:
- Contract terms and conditions
- Variations and change control
- Commercial performance tracking
- Ability to interpret drawings/specifications (where relevant)
Soft Skills
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability on-site
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage conflict and resolve disputes quickly
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Resilient and able to work in a fast-paced site environment
Typical Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Business, Construction, Engineering, or similar
- Professional membership (e.g., CIPS, RICS, World CC) desirable
- Relevant site-based experience is essential
Success Factors (KPIs & Behaviours)
1. Contract Delivery Performance
- % of contractual obligations delivered on time and to standard
- Achievement of site KPIs and SLAs
- Minimal service failures or non-conformance issues
2. Commercial Performance
- Control of costs vs. contract budget
- Effective management of variations and change orders
- Contribution to site profitability/margin
3. Risk & Issue Management
- Proactive identification of risks
- Reduction in disputes, claims, and escalations
- Timely resolution of on-site issues
4. Operational Efficiency
- Smooth contract execution with minimal disruption
- Accurate and timely documentation and reporting
- Effective coordination between operational and commercial teams
5. Stakeholder Relationships
- Strong working relationships with clients and site teams
- Positive feedback from customers and internal stakeholders
- Ability to influence behaviours on-site
6. Compliance & Safety
- Full compliance with contractual, legal, and HSE requirements
- No major audit findings or compliance breaches
- Strong safety culture aligned with site operations
Critical Competencies
Successful site-based Contracts Managers typically demonstrate:
- Hands-on approach – actively engaged in site operations
- Commercial awareness in practice – not just theory
- Strong communication – translating contract terms into actions
- Decisiveness – making quick, informed decisions on-site
- Relationship focus – managing people as much as contracts
- Attention to detail – especially in records and variations
Pay: From £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
Experience:
- Contract management: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- SMSTS OR SSSTS (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Remote