Grafton Recruitment
Senior Contract Manager
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Senior Contracts Manager – Passive Fire Protection
Location: Newcastle - Hybrid (National Travel Required)
Package: Competitive Salary + Bonus + Car Allowance + Comprehensive Benefits
An established and growing specialist contractor within the passive fire protection sector is seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to lead the successful delivery of projects across the UK. To be successful in this role, you will bring significant experience within the passive fire protection industry and a proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-site projects.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for a commercially focused professional with extensive experience in passive fire protection, capable of overseeing multiple projects while driving operational excellence, client satisfaction and business growth.
The Opportunity
You will take ownership of a portfolio of passive fire protection projects, ensuring delivery is safe, compliant, profitable and executed to the highest standards. Working closely with senior leadership, you will play a key role in developing client relationships, supporting business growth initiatives and leading operational teams across the UK.
Projects will typically include:
- Fire stopping programmes
- Fire door installation and remediation works
- Compartmentation projects
- Fire safety and compliance remediation schemes
Key Responsibilities
Project & Contract Delivery
- Lead multiple projects from mobilisation through to completion and final account.
- Ensure works are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
- Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions where required.
- Chair and attend client, progress and coordination meetings.
- Provide leadership and support to project teams operating across multiple locations.
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Commercial Management
- Take responsibility for project profitability and financial performance.
- Oversee budgets, forecasting, cost reporting and cash flow management.
- Manage variations, valuations and final accounts.
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks.
- Support tender reviews, bid submissions and business development activity.
- Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement.
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure all works comply with current legislation, industry standards and third-party accreditation requirements.
- Maintain robust quality assurance processes across all projects.
- Support compliance with Building Safety legislation and fire safety regulations.
- Oversee audits, inspections and certification activities.
- Promote technical excellence and best practice throughout the business.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor and develop Contracts Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors and operational teams.
- Manage workforce planning, labour resources and subcontractor performance.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and high performance.
- Support succession planning and team development initiatives.
Client Relationship Management
- Act as a senior point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with contractors, consultants and end clients.
- Resolve technical and operational challenges effectively.
- Identify opportunities for repeat business and strategic partnerships.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 10 years' experience within passive fire protection.
- Strong background in fire stopping, fire doors and compartmentation.
- Experience managing multiple concurrent projects across various locations.
- Proven commercial management experience, including budgets, profitability and reporting.
- Experience managing subcontractors, direct labour and supply chain partners.
- Strong understanding of passive fire compliance requirements and installation standards.
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Technical Knowledge
You will have strong working knowledge of:
- Passive fire protection systems
- Fire stopping applications
- Fire door installation and remediation
- Compartmentation principles
- Quality assurance and compliance management
- Building Safety Act requirements and Golden Thread documentation
- FIRAS, IFC, BM TRADA or similar accreditation schemes
- Building Regulations and fire safety legislation
Qualifications
Essential
- SMSTS
- CSCS Card
- Full UK Driving Licence
Highly Desirable
- FIRAS accreditation or inspection experience
- NVQ Level 3 or above in Passive Fire Protection
- IOSH or NEBOSH
- Construction-related degree or equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts
What's on Offer?
- Senior leadership position within a growing specialist contractor
- Opportunity to influence operational strategy and project delivery standards
- Diverse, high-profile projects across multiple sectors
- Strong prospects for career progression
- Competitive salary, bonus structure and car allowance
- Comprehensive benefits package
If you are an experienced passive fire protection professional looking to take the next step in your career with a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
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