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. Our benefits include:
£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
Important note for Recruitment Agencies
Please do not send, by any means, unsolicited Resumes (i) in response to any of our roles, (ii) to any of our employees or any person engaged by us, or (iii) to any of our regional businesses, including our head office. Any unsolicited Resumes received by us shall be deemed to be our property.
Any candidate submitted to us by an Agency via an unsolicited Resume shall be deemed to have been referred by that Agency free of commission, fee or any other charge (Fees). We are not liable for any Fees relating to the engagement of any person resulting from an unsolicited Resume and will not pay a Fee to any Agency that is not an Appointed Agency.