Contracts Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear

CONTRACTS MANAGER – STUDENT ACCOMMODATION (HARD FM)

• Location: Newcastle (Primary base with UK travel)

• Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum + vehicle or allowance + fuel card + benefits

• Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

• Recruitment Consultancy: Nelson Permanent Placements

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Contracts Manager to join one of the UK’s fastest-growing facilities management companies, specialising in high-quality hard FM delivery for student accommodation, build-to-rent, and education sectors.

This is a hands-on, high-visibility FM role managing a key regional patch of student accommodation sites across the Northeast and Scotland. You will take ownership of hard FM activity across 7+ modern buildings, acting as the vital link between contractors, site teams, admin, and the client.

Your Patch & Travel Requirements:

• Primary Location: Newcastle base

• Regular Monthly Travel: Leeds, Durham, and Scotland (2 sites in Glasgow, 1 in Edinburgh)

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all hard FM services, including planned preventative maintenance (PPMs), reactive works, compliance, and minor projects.

• Manage the supply chain by booking and overseeing specialist contractors for HVAC, lifts, fire systems, gas, water, and more.

• Act as the client-facing lead to guarantee excellent relationships and smooth operational performance.

• Collaborate closely with the helpdesk and admin team who coordinate day-to-day calls and tasks.

• Conduct monthly site visits while managing day-to-day delivery via Teams.

• Support the successful mobilisation of newly awarded contracts.

• Provide operational support to building general managers while site managers handle student-facing queries.

• Ensure strict compliance with Health & Safety and contract delivery standards.

Person Specification

• Proven experience within Facilities Management, ideally in a mobile or multi-site FM capacity.

• A strong working understanding of M&E principles and PPM schedules.

• Confident managing contractors, handling reactive calls, and driving compliance.

• A calm, professional, and organised demeanour with strong problem-solving capabilities.

• A technical background (e.g., electrical, plumbing, or gas) is advantageous but not essential.

• Previous exposure to student accommodation or high-occupancy residential environments is a strong bonus.

• A full UK driving licence is required.

Package & Benefits

• Base salary of up to £60,000

• Choice of company vehicle (e.g., EV or petrol) or car allowance

• Fuel card and expenses card provided for travel and overnight stays

• Long-term 3-year contract stability

• Career progression pathways into senior leadership within a collaborative, fast-growing business

How to Apply:

If you are a proactive, client-focused FM professional looking to take ownership of a prestigious regional patch, please submit your CV to Nelson Permanent Placements today.