Amber, Senior Contracts Administrator
“Since starting in July 2023 I have discovered that at Houghtons, management consistently demonstrates their appreciation for the work we do, creating a sense of unity that feels like one big family.”
Family-Run
Personal Service
30+ Years
of Expertise
Community
Focused
Highly Rated
on Google
Join our team and build a future with us
Houghton Group, based in Chelmsford, Essex, is a trusted building, electrical, and retrofit company with expertise in residential, commercial, and educational sectors. We are committed to excellence and innovation, with recent expansion into the renewable energy sector, emphasising sustainable solutions.
Contracts Manager (Projects) | Location Chelmsford, UK | Permanent
Key Responsibilities
- Manage multiple projects and planned works schemes concurrently, from mobilisation through to completion
- Take ownership of programme delivery, ensuring works are completed on time and within budget
- Coordinate Site Managers, Supervisors, subcontractors, and directly employed trades
- Review and manage project programmes, identifying risks and implementing solutions
- Ensure high standards of quality control and right-first-time delivery
- Maintain full compliance with health and safety requirements, including RAMS and site inspections
- Monitor financial performance, including cost control, variations, and overall project profitability
- Attend client meetings, providing clear updates on progress, risks, and performance
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners
- Support procurement and planning of works to ensure efficient project delivery
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager within construction
- Experience delivering refurbishment, planned works, or multi-trade projects
- Strong organisational and programme management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects at varying stages simultaneously
- Practical, solutions-focused approach to problem solving
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project cost control
- Confident communicator with experience managing client relationships
- Experience working across a mix of residential, commercial, or public sector projects
- Knowledge of JCT contracts and project delivery processes
- Experience managing projects within live or occupied environments
- Relevant construction qualification
Electrician | Location Chelmsford, UK | Permanent
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out first and second fix electrical installations
- Complete inspection, testing and certification in line with current regulations
- Undertake EICRs and associated remedial works
- Deliver works including rewires, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and general repairs
- Support delivery of retrofit and energy-efficiency measures
- Maintain accurate records using digital job management and certification systems
- Work safely and professionally within both void and occupied properties
- Liaise effectively with supervisors, managers and residents
Skills & Experience
- Fully qualified Electrician (Level 3, AM2, ECS Gold Card)
- Inspection and Testing qualification (2391 or equivalent) desirable
- Proven experience completing EICRs and fault finding
- Experience within social housing or Schedule of Rates (SOR) environments advantageous
- Strong understanding of current regulations and compliance requirements
- Competent in the use of IT systems and mobile working platforms
- Full UK driving licence
Multi-Trader | Location Colchester, UK | Permanent
Key Responsibilities
- Proven experience working as a Multi-Trade Operative within social housing or similar occupied environments
- Competent in kitchen and bathroom fitting from start to finish
- Ability to carry out basic plumbing, tiling and plastering to a good standard
- Strong communication skills and a professional, resident-focused approach
- Ability to work safely, cleanly and considerately in occupied homes
Skills & Experience
- Competent in the use of IT systems and mobile working platforms
- Full UK driving licence
Contracts Manager (Social Housing) | Location Chelmsford, UK | Permanent
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of voids and responsive maintenance contracts across multiple workstreams
- Drive performance against key KPIs, including void turnaround times, first-time fix, and customer satisfaction
- Manage Site Managers, Supervisors, planners, and directly employed operatives to ensure efficient service delivery
- Oversee daily and weekly programming, ensuring works are planned, resourced, and completed within target timescales
- Monitor and improve productivity, identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions
- Ensure all works are delivered safely, with full compliance to RAMS, SSOW, and company H&S procedures
- Manage commercial performance, including cost control, SOR-based works, variations, and profitability
- Maintain strong client relationships through regular reporting, performance reviews, and proactive communication
- Lead on issue resolution, including complaints, escalations, and complex operational challenges
- Work closely with commercial and admin teams to ensure accurate job costing and invoicing
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience delivering voids and/or responsive maintenance contracts within social housing
- Strong understanding of Schedule of Rates (SOR) and high-volume repair environments
- Demonstrable experience managing performance against KPIs and service level agreements
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working on public sector frameworks or DLO support contracts
- Experience improving operational performance and reducing turnaround times
- Knowledge of compliance areas such as fire safety, damp & mould, or retrofit works
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to drive profitability alongside performance
- Confident communicator with experience managing client relationships
Multi-Trader (Renewables) | Location Chelmsford, UK | Permanent
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out multi-trade works including carpentry, minor building repairs and property improvements
- Install loft insulation in accordance with industry standards and health and safety regulations
- Undertake maintenance and remedial works within residential properties
- Ensure all works are completed to a high standard and within agreed timescales
- Maintain safe, tidy working environments within occupied homes
- Communicate professionally with residents, colleagues, and management
- Follow company policies, RAMS, and health and safety procedures at all times
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Multi-Trade Operative, particularly carpentry
- Experience installing loft insulation within residential properties
- Good knowledge of insulation installation methods and ventilation requirements
- Ability to work independently and manage daily workloads
- Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship
- Good communication and customer service skills
Why work with us: Benefits of working at Houghton Group
Competitive salary and bonuses
Team-building events and activities
Flexible working hours
Health and wellness programs
Comprehensive training and development
Career growth opportunities
We love hearing from skilled professionals! Get in touch today
Join our dynamic team and be part of a company dedicated to excellence, innovation, and making a positive impact—apply today!
Call us: 01245 471289
Hear from our team: Testimonials and experiences
Donna, Contracts Administrator
“I enjoy working at Houghtons as I feel that I was made to feel part of the team/company from day one and ever since, it’s an extremely friendly place to work and I like the fact that all the Director and Management are approachable and appreciate their staff.”
Ben, Senior Contracts Manager
“Working for Houghton Group is an excellent, rewarding challenge. The team are ambitious, grounded and very humble and have all the great work ethics and values to allow individuals to grow and develop in their roles as the company continues to go from strength to strength with the excellent foundations that have been put in place over the years. There is a real family feel about the company with a strong focus on personal and professional delivery and having people that really care about what they do helps deliver works to a great standard!”
Simon, Site Supervisor
“I have been with Houghtons for two years now and have found that they support growth in all their staff with either courses or a chance to prove yourself in other roles. You can always call someone for help and answers if you don’t know something yourself, and the office staff are supportive. You feel like you are appreciated, and that always helps in a job.”
Sophie, Marketing Co-ordinator
“Coming up to 10 years with the business and being one of the longest serving members of staff at Houghtons, it’s been fantastic to see the growth of the company over the years because of the team’s hard work. They are a great bunch of people to work for, having an approachable, family feel at the heart of the business. I’ve constantly felt supported in my work and been given many opportunities to excel in my roles.”
Kristie, HR Manager
“I have worked at Houghtons for over 7 years now and although the business has grown hugely over that time, the values and culture remain the same. It’s a positive place to work where everyone is treated fairly and work as one big team.”
Debbie, Senior Contracts Administrator
“Here at Houghton and Son we have a great work ethic – everyone works very hard, and we pride ourselves on the high standard of work we produce, whether it be in the office or out on site.
We punctuate our hard work with social activities throughout the year and we all very much enjoy coming to work, it’s a great place to be.”
Comprehensive Building & Electrical Services Across the UK
With extensive experience in managing commercial and residential projects, Houghton Group offers expert solutions, including planned maintenance, voids, and a full range of electrical services from testing to complete rewires.
Our commitment to professionalism and quality ensures that every project is completed to the highest standards, delivering reliable results you can trust.
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