Contracts Manager in Reading

Contracts Manager in Reading

Reading Full-Time On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead multiple high-value construction projects across Education, Commercial, and Residential sectors.
  • Company: Join a leading Tier 1 Main Contractor with a strong project pipeline.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, private healthcare, and flexible benefits.
  • Other info: Clear pathway to senior roles and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on significant developments while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Contracts Manager with strong leadership and project management skills.

A leading Tier 1 Main Contractor is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the successful delivery of multiple projects across its growing portfolio of Education, Commercial and Residential developments.

With a strong pipeline of secured work, including Department for Education schemes and major mixed-sector developments, this is an excellent opportunity to join a market-leading contractor in a senior operational role with genuine long-term career prospects.

Reporting directly to the Construction Director, you will take responsibility for multiple live projects simultaneously, providing leadership and strategic oversight to Project Managers and site-based delivery teams across schemes typically ranging from £30m to £50m in value.

The Role

  • Overseeing the delivery of multiple construction projects across the Education, Commercial and Residential sectors.
  • Managing Project Managers and site delivery teams to achieve programme, quality, commercial and safety objectives.
  • Providing operational leadership from pre-construction through to project completion and handover.
  • Working closely with pre-construction, design and commercial teams to ensure projects are set up for successful delivery.
  • Reviewing programmes, procurement strategies and project risks during bid and pre-construction stages.
  • Driving programme recovery plans and mitigating project risks where required.
  • Ensuring the highest standards of Health & Safety, environmental compliance and quality management are maintained across all projects.
  • Developing and maintaining strong client, consultant and stakeholder relationships.
  • Monitoring project performance, resource allocation and financial objectives.
  • Reporting regularly to senior leadership on project progress, commercial position and operational performance.

Candidate Requirements

  • Proven experience operating as a Contracts Manager for a Tier 1 or recognised major main contractor.
  • Strong track record overseeing multiple projects simultaneously across Education, Commercial and Residential sectors.
  • Previous Department for Education project experience.
  • Extensive pre-construction knowledge, including buildability reviews, programming, procurement strategy and risk management.
  • Experience managing schemes typically valued between £30m and £50m.
  • Excellent leadership and people management capabilities with experience mentoring Project Managers and wider delivery teams.
  • Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project financial performance.
  • Detailed knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts.
  • SMSTS, CSCS and First Aid qualifications.
  • Stable employment history with demonstrated success delivering complex projects from inception through to completion.

What's On Offer

  • Basic salary of £100,000 - £125,000.
  • Car allowance or company vehicle.
  • Annual performance bonus.
  • Private healthcare.
  • Enhanced pension contribution.
  • Life assurance.
  • Flexible benefits package.
  • Clear pathway to Senior Contracts Manager and Operations Director level.
  • Opportunity to work on some of the region's most significant Education, Commercial and Residential developments.

This role would suit an ambitious Contracts Manager who enjoys leading multiple high-value schemes, developing operational teams and driving successful project outcomes across a diverse construction portfolio.

For a confidential discussion and further details, apply today.

We act as an Employment Agency/Business with regards to this vacancy. As an Equal Opportunities employer we welcome applications regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or age. All applicants are considered on the basis of their merits and abilities for the job.

Contracts Manager in Reading employer: 360 Recruitment

As an HR Advisor with us, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment across multiple locations in Lincolnshire. We prioritise employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities while ensuring a collaborative culture that values diversity and ethical practices. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the manufacturing sector, where your contributions will be recognised and rewarded.

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Contact Details:

360 Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Reading

✨Join Construction Networks

Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!

✨Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

✨Utilise Construction Job Sites

Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like 360 Recruitment, to express your interest!

✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Contracts Manager at 360 Recruitment.

We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Reading

Project Management
Leadership Skills
People Management
Commercial Awareness
Risk Management
Pre-construction Knowledge
Programming

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.

Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at 360 Recruitment

✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

✨Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

✨Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!