Contracts Manager

Richard Crookes Constructions Pty; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 70,000 - GBP 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to ensure the successful delivery of major building projects. As the Contracts Manager, you will manage Head and Subcontract administration, oversee financial performance, and lead a team of Contract Administrators. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in contract management, coupled with strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach. This role offers the opportunity to work on significant regional projects in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience managing major building contracts at Head and Subcontract level.
• Strong knowledge of contract law and construction-specific regulations.
• Experience leading commercial teams across complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage Head Contract and Subcontract administration effectively.
• Maintain overall financial performance and lead risk management.
• Mentor Contract Administrators to ensure high performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying or related field

Job description

Contracts Manager - Newcastle / Hunter New England

As our business grows across the Hunter region, we are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the commercial and contractual delivery on complex building projects.

At Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC), our purpose is to build buildings we can be proud of — while enjoying the journey with our colleagues, clients and partners. As a proudly family-owned builder, we are committed to being both the builder of choice for our clients and the employer of choice for our people. With a strong and growing pipeline across Newcastle and the Hunter New England region, we are seeking a seasoned Contracts Manager to partner with Project Managers and site teams to deliver outstanding commercial, contractual and financial outcomes.

Why Join RCC?

• High-Impact Regional Projects — Lead the commercial delivery of Education, Health, Community and Social Infrastructure projects that make a real difference across the Hunter.
• Senior Influence & Autonomy — Play a key leadership role with genuine influence over commercial strategy, risk management and project success.
• Family-Owned Culture — Join a business that values respect, integrity, collaboration and long-term careers — not short-term wins.
• Strong Pipeline & Stability — Be part of a well-established regional team with a strong forward workload and long-term career opportunities.

The Opportunity

As Contracts Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end commercial and contractual management of projects, including Head Contract and Subcontract administration, financial performance, risk mitigation and team leadership. You will work closely with the Project Manager to ensure projects achieve or exceed time, cost, quality and safety objectives while maintaining RCC's strong client-first reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Head Contract Management: Administer all aspects of the Head Contract, including progress claims, variations, EOTs, notices, risk and opportunity management.
• Subcontract Management: Oversee subcontract procurement, contract execution, claims assessment and compliance with Security of Payment legislation.
• Financial Management: Maintain overall cost responsibility, cash flow forecasting, value engineering initiatives and monthly cost reporting.
• Risk & Compliance: Identify contractual and commercial risks, ensuring compliance with contract law, legislation and RCC systems.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor and manage Contract Administrators, supporting capability development and high performance.
• Stakeholder Management: Maintain transparent, collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Project Governance: Contribute to PCG meetings, reporting, project close-out and continuous improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor of Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Diploma in Construction or trade-based qualification
• Extensive experience (ideally 10-15+ years) managing major building contracts at Head and Subcontract level
• Strong knowledge of contract law, Security of Payment legislation and construction-specific regulations
• Proven leadership experience managing commercial teams across complex projects
• Exceptional negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills
• A solutions-focused, collaborative approach aligned with RCC's values and culture

Ready to Lead Commercial Delivery in the Hunter?

If you're a senior Contracts Manager looking to work on significant regional projects with a business that values integrity, leadership and long-term success, we'd love to hear from you.