At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts for major residential works and improvements, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Ashford Borough Council, a supportive organisation prioritising employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting and stable environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to residents' homes and communities while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Building Studies or equivalent experience, with strong contract management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40215 - 43440 € per year.
This is a key role within our Planned Maintenance team, responsible for managing and overseeing contracts for major works and improvements to both occupied and vacant residential properties. These may include large-scale refurbishment programmes, kitchens and bathrooms, professional services, ICT systems and other contracts critical to the effective delivery of Housing Services.
You will be responsible for ensuring contracts are delivered in line with statutory requirements, local procurement rules and best practice, along with:
- Managing a portfolio of planned maintenance and improvement contracts, ensuring robust financial and operational control
- Inspecting residential properties and providing professional advice to ensure compliance with statutory, health and safety and asset management requirements
- Administering contracts from instruction to completion, including valuations, variations, defect management and final accounts
- Monitoring contractor performance to ensure quality, customer satisfaction and value for money
- Supporting tenant and leaseholder consultation and actively contributing to positive customer engagement
- Ensuring full compliance with health and safety legislation, including CDM requirements
- Maintaining accurate contract records using the Council's electronic contract management system (MRI)
- Providing technical advice and support to colleagues across Housing Services
- Contributing to service improvement, sustainability objectives and the development of planned maintenance strategies
You will bring a strong technical background in residential maintenance and contract management, along with the confidence to manage complex stakeholder relationships so it is essential that you have:
- HNC/HND in Building Studies or equivalent relevant experience
- At least 3 years' post-qualification experience managing refurbishment and improvement contracts on occupied residential properties
- Sound knowledge of public sector procurement and contract management
- Detailed understanding of health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations
- Strong project management, organisational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team
- Full driving licence and ability to travel within the borough
We offer a supportive, professional working environment where your expertise will make a real difference to residents' homes and communities.
Hybrid Working: We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.
Competitive Remuneration Package: We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.
Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Salary Range: £40,215 - £43,440 per year
Residential Contracts Manager employer: Ashford Borough Council
At Ashford Borough Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the wellbeing and professional growth of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and flexibility, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while making a meaningful impact on the community. With competitive remuneration, generous leave, and opportunities for training and development, this is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in a stable and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent works and challenges in residential maintenance. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience managing contracts and handling stakeholder relationships. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in managing refurbishment and improvement contracts. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role requires a strong technical background, be sure to mention your qualifications and any specific knowledge you have about health and safety legislation and public sector procurement. We love seeing candidates who know their stuff!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easier for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll get a confirmation once you’ve submitted, so you can relax knowing it’s in our hands.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be managing. Brush up on your knowledge of refurbishment programmes and the specific requirements for occupied residential properties. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss health and safety legislation, especially CDM Regulations. Think of examples from your past experience where you ensured compliance in contract management. This will show that you not only know the rules but can apply them effectively.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Since managing complex stakeholder relationships is key, come ready with examples of how you've successfully navigated these situations in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to positive customer engagement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they measure contractor performance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
