Small Works Manager

Small Works Contracts Manager / Quantity Surveyor

• Location: Bristol
• Job type: Permanent, full-time
• Salary: £55-60,000 + car allowance / package

An established SME main contractor is looking for a Small Works Contracts Manager / Quantity Surveyor to take responsibility for its growing small works division in Bristol.

The business delivers refurbishment and fit-out projects across the commercial, education, hospitality and retail sectors. This role will focus on multiple smaller projects, typically valued up to £50,000.

This is a varied, hands-on position offering full ownership of projects from the initial site survey through to final account. You will survey requirements, prepare estimates, price works, appoint subcontractors and manage delivery, while retaining commercial control throughout.

The position would suit an autonomous and commercially capable construction professional who enjoys managing the complete project lifecycle. You might currently be working as a Small Works Manager, Contracts Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Estimator or Project Manager and be looking for a broader role with greater responsibility.

Key responsibilities

• Manage multiple small works and refurbishment projects simultaneously

• Take projects from initial enquiry and site survey through to completion and final account

• Meet clients, assess requirements and produce accurate scopes of work

• Prepare estimates, quotations, cost plans and tender submissions

• Price labour, materials, plant and subcontract packages

• Procure and appoint suitable subcontractors and suppliers

• Produce project programmes and coordinate labour, resources and materials

• Manage projects on site, ensuring work is completed safely, on time and to the required standard

• Maintain commercial control of each project, including budgets, cost reporting and cash flow

• Prepare valuations, applications for payment, variations and final accounts

• Monitor project margins and identify commercial risks and opportunities

• Liaise with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams

• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and company procedures

• Resolve operational, technical and commercial issues as they arise

• Help develop client relationships and generate repeat small works opportunities

• Support the growth and long-term development of the small works division

About you

• Experience delivering small works, refurbishment, fit-out or maintenance projects

• A background in quantity surveying, estimating, contracts management or a combined role

• Able to survey, estimate, price and commercially manage construction projects

• Comfortable managing several live projects at different stages

• Strong knowledge of subcontractor procurement, valuations, variations and final accounts

• Commercially astute, organised and confident making decisions independently

• A practical approach and willingness to take responsibility across the full project lifecycle

• Strong client-facing, negotiation and communication skills

• Good knowledge of construction health and safety requirements

• A full UK driving licence

The opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of an established small works operation while helping shape its future direction. You will have considerable autonomy, direct access to the company’s senior leadership and the freedom to develop efficient ways of working.

As the workload grows, there is genuine potential to expand the division, build a team and progress into a broader leadership role within the business.

What’s on offer

A permanent position with an established Bristol main contractor

Considerable autonomy and ownership of your own projects

Varied work across commercial, education, hospitality and retail environments

Responsibility for projects from survey through to final account

The opportunity to lead and grow the small works division

Long-term career development within a close-knit SME

If you are a commercially minded Small Works Contracts Manager, Quantity Surveyor or Estimator looking for greater ownership and progression, apply now for a confidential discussion.