Pre Construction Manager – DFG Adaptations

Role Purpose

We are seeking a Contracts Manager to support the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) adaptation projects from initial feasibility and design scoping through to grant approval.

The role will focus on attending initial site visits, assessing the practical feasibility of proposed adaptations and developing clear, accurate and cost-effective scopes of work. Strong practical construction knowledge is essential, with the ability to determine whether proposed works can be safely and practically delivered.

The successful candidate will ensure proposed schemes meet the assessed needs of the resident, are technically feasible, provide value for money and minimise potential design, cost and delivery issues.

Key Responsibilities

Feasibility & Site Assessments

Attend residents’ homes for initial feasibility and scoping visits, both independently and alongside contractors, architects and other professionals.

Review Personal Needs Assessments and understand the required outcomes.

Inspect existing property layouts, construction, access, services and physical constraints.

Assess whether proposed adaptations can be delivered safely and practically.

Identify the most appropriate and cost-effective construction solution.

Consider alternative solutions where the original proposal is impractical or disproportionate.

Take accurate measurements, photographs and detailed site notes.

Produce clear scopes of work suitable for contractor pricing.

Identify where architectural, structural, planning, party wall, asbestos or specialist advice is required.

Escalate proposals that are unsuitable, unsafe or unlikely to meet the assessed needs.

Design & Scope Development

Translate assessed needs into practical construction scopes.

Assess the feasibility of bathrooms, level-access showers, bedroom adaptations, internal alterations, ramps, external access, extensions and larger adaptations.

Liaise with Occupational Therapists, architects, surveyors and other professional teams.

Ensure proposed works align with the approved Personal Needs Assessment.

Challenge unnecessary or over-specified works where a simpler solution is appropriate.

Cost Control & Value for Money

Develop accurate scopes that allow contractors to provide comparable quotations.

Review contractor quotations and challenge omissions, duplication or excessive costs.

Work with Quantity Surveyors, Finance and Operations where further cost review is required.

Identify potential cost and delivery risks before works commence.

Review proposed variations and assess whether they are necessary, reasonable and within scope.

Contractor Procurement & Mobilisation

Support the allocation of works to suitably competent subcontractors.

Provide accurate scopes, drawings, site information and supporting documentation.

Check required approvals, asbestos information and statutory documentation are in place.

Support timely mobilisation following purchase order approval.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

Strong practical construction knowledge, particularly within domestic properties.

Experience with accessible bathrooms, level-access showers and bedroom adaptations.

Understanding of ramps, access paths, gradients, landings and thresholds.

Experience inspecting existing residential properties.

Experience producing scopes of work and reviewing contractor quotations.

Skills & Attributes

Strong practical judgement and problem-solving skills.

Commercial awareness and a focus on cost-effective solutions.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Confident dealing with residents, contractors and professional stakeholders.

Compassionate and respectful approach when working with disabled residents.

Highly organised, decisive and able to manage priorities.

Accurate record keeping and strong attention to detail.

Able to work independently and take ownership of decisions.

Additional Requirements

Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle for business travel.

Satisfactory DBS check where required.

Typical operational timescales: Initial site visit within 5 days, feasibility review within 48 hours, standard works scoped within 15 working days and extensions within 30 working days.