Contracts Manager, Public Sector, Warrington or Leeds

Morris & Spottiswood is a leading provider of fitout, refurbishment, retrofit and construction services in the UK. An independently owned firm, with a proud track record of excellence, we aim high, act responsibly and value our staff and customers.

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our Public Sector division on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe, efficient and timely delivery of Morris & Spottiswood projects, ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance and client satisfaction are achieved throughout.

This role will be based in either our Warrington or Leeds Office, with a hybrid working model available. Travel to live sites will be required as part of the role, with projects generally located across England.

Reporting to the Operations Manager / Operations Director, the Contracts Manager will play a key role in operational leadership, client management and the delivery of multiple concurrent projects.

Key Responsibilities

The Contracts Manager will hold overall responsibility for the management and delivery of several contracts, or a high-volume contract, at any one time. This includes:

• Managing the end-to-end delivery of projects within the public sector, ensuring safety, programme, quality and commercial objectives are met.
• Acting as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring clear and effective communication throughout each project lifecycle.
• Leading and coordinating project teams, including site managers and subcontractors, while supporting the development and performance of operational staff.
• Working closely with the Commercial team to manage contract finances, budgets and cost controls.
• Overseeing procurement strategies, subcontractor management and materials planning in conjunction with the Procurement department.
• Ensuring full compliance with all Health & Safety legislation and Morris & Spottiswood’s internal H&S Management Systems.
• Planning, programming and phasing works at tender stage and project outset using construction programming software clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Managing and chairing client, subcontractor and internal team meetings effectively, delegating appropriately and ensuring timely decision-making.

Project Experience

Projects within the Public Sector division are varied and technically diverse. They can range from simple internal refurbishments of occupied offices to full external works, cladding packages, small new builds and extensions, typically within live environments. Project values usually range from £500k up to £5–6m.

Clients commonly include universities, schools, hospitals, Police authorities, courts and office refits, including live environment working plus other public sector bodies requiring the successful candidate to demonstrate a broad range of sector experience and the ability to operate within sensitive, security‑controlled environments. The role will therefore require the ability to pass relevant security vetting for work within such settings.

Tendering & Business Development

In addition to live project delivery, applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in leading tenders for future schemes. This includes the ability to:

• Effectively develop and programming works using construction develop software.
• Produce clear, well-structured methodologies and presentations to support bids.
• Engage with clients at pre-construction stage to help secure new work and key accounts.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be a results-driven construction professional with a proven track record of delivering profitable, quality-led contracts. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Previous experience working for a blue-chip contractor.
• Strong leadership and line management capability at a senior level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sound commercial awareness and a proactive problem-solving approach.
• The ability to work flexibly, manage competing priorities and lead teams effectively.

Qualifications & Requirements

Successful candidates must also:

• Hold a valid Management related CSC Card, SMSTS, and First Aid certification.
• Be fully IT literate, with advanced proficiency in Word and Excel.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• Be flexible in working hours and willing to work from either office or site as required.

Package & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive depending on experience, pro rata
• Benefits: Car allowance, pension scheme, BUPA healthcare cover for couples
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus 8 public holidays

Valuing People

Morris & Spottiswood is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are passionate about investing in our people and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that supports innovation, collaboration and long-term success.