Specialist Projects Contract Manager

Special Projects Contract Manager Location: South East London Contract: 3-Month Ongoing Contract (Potential to Extend to 12 Months) Rate: £450 per day Umbrella Key Responsibilities Contract & Project Management Manage safety-critical contracts delivering investigative works across a large residential portfolio. Oversee specialist surveys and inspections, including: Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEW) Spandrel panel investigations Render and façade assessments Fire Risk Assessments (FRA) Monitor contractor performance against agreed KPIs, milestones, and service standards. Ensure compliance with PAS 9980, building safety legislation, and internal governance requirements.Procurement & Commercial Management Lead procurement exercises for new exploratory and investigative works contracts. Develop procurement documentation, specifications, scopes of work, and gateway approvals. Manage tender processes, evaluations, contract awards, and mobilisation activities. Maintain strong commercial oversight, ensuring value for money and effective contract delivery.Performance & Financial Management Manage budgets associated with investigative and enabling works programmes. Monitor costs, forecasts, and financial performance. Identify and mitigate commercial and financial risks. Ensure transparency and accountability across all programme expenditure.Legal Recovery & Risk Management Work alongside legal teams to identify and pursue claims relating to defective external wall systems. Support the preparation of contractual and technical evidence. Manage contractual disputes and support appropriate resolution processes.Funding & Compliance Lead applications to the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) and other relevant funding streams. Coordinate technical submissions and supporting evidence. Ensure compliance with funding requirements, reporting obligations, and programme governance. Essential Skills & Experience To be successful in this role, you will have: Significant contract management experience within construction, housing, property services, or building safety environments. Strong knowledge of external wall systems, cladding investigations, and fire safety regulations. Experience managing complex, high-risk projects and programmes. Proven procurement and contract mobilisation experience. Knowledge of remediation funding schemes, including the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) and Building Safety Fund. Strong commercial acumen and contract management expertise. Experience working with legal teams on contractual disputes, claims, or recovery actions. Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills. Ability to operate effectively within a complex public sector or regulated environment.Apply now to be part of a programme delivering meaningful improvements to resident safety and building compliance across a major housing portfolio