About the role
Dandara is one of the UK’s leading independent housebuilders, delivering high-quality homes across the country. We are currently seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our South East business, overseeing developments across Kent.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for the successful delivery of multiple residential projects, ensuring homes are built safely, on programme, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. As Contracts Manager, you will provide leadership and direction to site teams while supporting the Construction Director in the efficient running of the department. You’ll play a key role in driving performance, maintaining standards, and ensuring a professional interface with internal departments, subcontractors, and customers.
What you will do
- Oversee multiple residential construction projects from pre‑start through to completion
- Carry out pre‑start inspections and prepare construction phase plans and CDM documentation
- Ensure sites are fully resourced and set up for successful delivery
- Monitor build programmes, driving progress to meet targets and legal completion deadlines
- Lead on Health & Safety compliance, ensuring adherence to all legal and company standards
- Manage cost control, including prelims and non‑productive expenditure
- Work closely with Commercial teams on subcontractor and supplier performance
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure materials, information, and labour are aligned with programme requirements
- Maintain high quality standards throughout all stages of construction
- Support customer experience, including liaison with purchasers post‑completion
- Lead, mentor, and develop Site Managers and site teams
- Act as a key contact in the recruitment and development of site management staff
- Support the Construction Director in driving departmental performance and continuous improvement
What you will have
- Extensive experience with a recognised UK housebuilder delivering residential schemes
- Strong background in construction/production management with in‑depth technical knowledge
- Proven ability to manage multiple sites and deliver against programme and budget targets
- Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, NHBC standards, and Building Regulations
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high‑performing teams
- Decisive, resilient, and able to perform in a fast‑paced environment
- Commercial awareness with experience controlling costs and driving efficiency
- Strong communication skills with experience managing stakeholders and customer care issues
- CSCS (Site Management) essential
- Full UK driving licence required
Why Dandara?
At Dandara, we pride ourselves on building more than just homes—we build careers. You’ll be joining a business with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and employee development, where your expertise will have a direct impact on our continued success in the South East.
Dandara was established in 1988 from the desire to provide innovative homes and commercial properties, which would offer real value for money without compromising on design, durability, or quality. Today Dandara is one of the UK’s largest independent property development companies, with over 10,000 happy customers and more than 100 industry awards for design and quality – and it’s all thanks to the vision and passion of our dedicated team.
Benefits
- £Competitive basic salary
- Car Allowance
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme - EAP
- Health Hero digital doctor – 24 hr virtual help and appointments
- Health Assured Wisdom App
- Competitive parental leave
- 3x salary life assurance (paid option to increase to x4)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employer matched pension scheme of up to 5%
- Flexible benefits including shopping vouchers, airport parking and reduced gym membership
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