Senior Contract Manager – Repairs & Maintenance

Location: West Midlands (Hybrid working – 2–3 days in the office)

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established housing association in the West Midlands for an experienced Senior Contract Manager to lead the delivery of major repairs and maintenance contracts.

This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the contractual relationship with a major repairs and maintenance contractor, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective services that meet compliance standards, customer expectations, and performance targets.

You will also play a pivotal role in embedding a new contract management framework across property services, supporting colleagues and driving improvements in contract governance and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall performance and financial delivery of major repairs and maintenance contracts.
• Oversee contract delivery from tender stage through to completion, including responsive repairs, asset investment works, and specialist projects.
• Monitor contractor performance against KPIs and SLAs through audits, reporting, and regular review meetings.
• Analyse and cross-reference operational data to ensure accuracy and performance transparency.
• Manage contract variations, disputes, and negotiations effectively.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, statutory requirements, and internal policies.
• Implement quality control processes, including post-inspections and service performance reviews.
• Manage contract budgets, approve invoices, and ensure value for money, including correct use of Schedule of Rates (SoRs).
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvements without compromising quality.
• Act as the primary contact for contractors and internal stakeholders on all contract management matters.
• Lead contract reviews and contribute to procurement strategies and mobilisation of new service providers where required.
• Support the development and implementation of a consistent contract management framework across property services.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide effective line management to team members, including performance management, coaching, and development.
• Support delivery of departmental objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews, and manage attendance in line with policy.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Ensure team compliance with health and safety requirements and mandatory training standards.

About You

We are looking for a commercially aware and technically knowledgeable contract management professional with strong leadership skills and experience managing large-scale repairs and maintenance contracts.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Facilities Management, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience managing large-scale repairs and maintenance contracts.
• Proven experience in contractor performance management, compliance, and SLA/KPI monitoring.
• Strong experience in cost control, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, health & safety, and building compliance standards.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.

Desirable

• Professional membership (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB)
• Experience within social housing or property maintenance environments.
• Knowledge of responsive repairs, damp & mould, disrepair, and voids management.
• Project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, APM).