Contracts Manager – Commercial Fit Out

Location: London 
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Sector: Commercial Office Fit Out

The Opportunity

We are working with a growing, medium-sized commercial fit-out contractor looking to appoint a Contracts Manager as part of its continued expansion.

The business delivers a range of commercial fit-out projects, typically valued between £3m and £15m, covering fast-track programmes, Category A, Category B and cut-and-carve schemes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a business that has established itself in the market and has ambitious plans for further growth. The successful candidate will play an important role in overseeing project delivery, supporting project teams and maintaining the high standards expected by clients.

We are looking for someone who is predominantly delivery-focused, with responsibility for managing approximately 2–3 projects at any one time.

The Role

This is a hands-on, operational Contracts Manager position, with the main emphasis on ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, to the required quality and to the client's expectations.

You will work closely with Project Managers, site teams, subcontractors and clients, providing leadership and oversight across your projects.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the delivery of 2–3 concurrent commercial fit-out projects.
• Managing projects ranging from £3m to £15m in value.
• Ensuring projects are delivered in line with programme, quality and health & safety requirements.
• Providing leadership, direction and support to Project Managers and site-based teams.
• Monitoring project progress and proactively addressing programme or delivery challenges.
• Maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and supply chain partners.
• Attending client and project progress meetings.
• Ensuring appropriate project controls and reporting procedures are maintained.
• Overseeing subcontractor performance and ensuring works are coordinated effectively.
• Taking responsibility for the management and commercial oversight of variations and change accounts.

Importantly, this is not a heavily commercially focused role. There will be a relatively small financial responsibility, primarily around monitoring and managing variations and associated accounts. The main priority is project delivery and operational management.

The Ideal Candidate

We are open to speaking with both established Contracts Managers and ambitious Senior Project Managers who feel ready to take the next step in their career.

You will ideally have:

• A strong background in commercial interior fit-out.
• Experience delivering Category A and Category B fit-out projects.
• Exposure to fast-track programmes and cut-and-carve projects.
• Experience managing projects of £3m–£15m.
• The ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• The confidence to manage client relationships and lead project teams.
• A delivery-first mindset, with good commercial awareness.

You may currently be an established Contracts Manager looking for a new challenge within a growing business, or a Senior Project Manager ready to step into a broader operational role.

Why Consider This Opportunity

• Join an established medium-sized contractor with ambitious growth plans.
• Take ownership of significant commercial fit-out projects.
• Manage a manageable portfolio of 2–3 projects at any one time.
• Play a key role in the continued development and growth of the business.
• Opportunity to progress as the company expands.

If you are a strong delivery-focused Senior Project Manager ready to step up, or an experienced Contracts Manager looking for a new opportunity, we would be keen to hear from you.

My recommendation on positioning

I would deliberately avoid making this sound like a traditional commercial Contracts Manager position.

The key selling points are:

• Delivery-led: The focus is on getting projects delivered, not managing large commercial teams or extensive P&L responsibilities.

• Project value: £3m–£15m is substantial enough to attract experienced operators.

• Workload: 2–3 projects at a time gives a clear indication of the level of responsibility.

• Growth opportunity: Someone joining now could grow with the business and potentially take on greater responsibility as the company expands.

• Flexible experience level: You're not ruling out a very good Senior PM who has the capability to step up.

I'd also consider advertising it as Contracts Manager / Senior Project Manager – Commercial Fit Out if you want to widen the candidate pool.