Our client is seeking an experienced Development / Contracts Manager with a strong background delivering small‑to‑medium new‑build residential schemes (6–30 units), including houses, terraces, and low‑rise apartments, ideally within London and the Home Counties. They will combine technical delivery expertise with the leadership and structure required for a growing self‑build developer.

Professional Background

• Demonstrable experience with small–medium property developers, self‑build contractors, or high‑quality residential SMEs.
• Proven track record taking schemes from pre‑construction through delivery to handover, including procurement, programming, build sequencing, and contractor management.
• Experience with both new‑build and refurbishment projects (HMO or mixed‑use beneficial).
• Strong understanding of UK building regs, planning conditions, NHBC/structural warranty requirements, CDM, and typical residential compliance pathways.

Core Responsibilities

• Full project oversight of multiple developments (e.g., 6–30 units).
• Managing programmes, site operations, procurement, contractors and subcontractors.
• Overseeing health & safety, quality control, build sequencing, and cost‑to‑complete forecasting.
• Ensuring timely delivery to budget and specification.
• Working directly with founders to refine processes, reporting lines, and operational structure.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical build knowledge (housebuilding, RC frame or traditional methods).
• Excellent procurement and supply‑chain capability, with established industry contacts.
• Ability to troubleshoot on‑site issues quickly and practically.
• High level of organisation with strong reporting and communication skills.
• Comfortable managing multiple sites at once (2–3 concurrent).
• Thrives in a small, entrepreneurial, hands‑on environment.

Personality

• Proactive, solutions‑driven, and commercially aware.
• Not corporate — prefers SME environments where they can influence decisions.
• Able to build trust with subcontractors, design teams, and clients.
• Takes ownership of outcomes and performs well with autonomy.

Ideal Qualifications

• Construction management, building engineering, or similar degree (desirable but not essential).
• SMSTS, First Aid, CSCS (site-level competency).
• Membership of CIOB or working towards (beneficial).