We are looking for a proactive and commercially aware Contract Manager to oversee projects from tender stage through to completion, handover, and aftercare. Based in our offices in Poole, with regular travel to sites nationwide, you will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards.
This role would suit an experienced Contract Manager, but we would also welcome applications from individuals with relevant construction, fit-out, joinery or commercial experience who are looking to progress their career.
Location: Poole, Dorset
Travel: Nationwide travel required as projects demand
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Dependent on experience
Key Responsibilities
- Manage projects from enquiry and tender stage through to final account, handover, snagging, aftercare, and project close-out.
- Coordinate project programmes, budgets, resources, and supply chain activities.
- Liaise with clients, architects, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Manage subcontractors and suppliers, including procurement, raising subcontract orders and purchase orders (POs), and monitoring performance throughout project delivery.
- Handle client RFIs, design changes and project variations, ensuring clear communication and effective commercial management.
- Monitor project progress, costs, risks, and commercial performance.
- Manage variations, valuations, cost reporting, and commercial reporting.
- Produce and maintain project trackers, budgets and reporting documentation using Microsoft Office, including Excel.
- Attend site visits and project meetings as required across the UK.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, building regulations, fire compliance requirements, and relevant building safety act obligations.
- Manage project handovers, including O&M manuals, defects management, client sign-off and aftercare activities.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, confidently managing demanding clients and commercial discussions in a professional manner.
- Provide regular updates to senior management, reporting directly to the Project Director.
About You
You will have experience within construction, fit-out, joinery, manufacturing, or related project environment, along with strong organisational and communication skills. You should be commercially aware, capable of managing multiple priorities and comfortable taking ownership of projects, supply chain and client relationships.
You will be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and confident managing project trackers, valuations, cost reporting, and other project controls. Strong IT skills and attention to detail are essential.
Experience within a joinery, interior fit-out or specialist construction projects would be advantageous, as would practical knowledge of joinery installation. An understanding of building regulations, fire compliance requirements and the building safety act regime would also be beneficial. While formal qualifications are not essential, a CSCS Card, SMSTS qualification and MCIOB membership or equivalent qualifications would be beneficial.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone with the right attitude – proactive, eager to learn, commercially minded, confident working under pressure, and keen to build a long-term career within a successful and growing business.
About Tekne
Tekne specialises in delivering exceptional interior building services, offering end-to-end solutions from design to installation. With over 50 years of excellence, Tekne is committed to creating beautiful social spaces that inspire collaboration, creativity, and celebration. Combining cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship, our bespoke joinery showcases precision and quality. Based in England, Tekne provides a full range of tailored services under one roof, redefining interior possibilities.
Work Location: In person
