At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage multiple construction projects, ensuring timely completion and high standards.
- Company: Join a leading property service specialist with over 110 years of combined experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75,000, car allowance, private medical insurance, and 25 days leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values reliability, quality, and social impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in essential services across diverse sectors like healthcare and education.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction management, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
Concept, part of Axis CLC, is one of the UK’s leading property service specialists, delivering expert property maintenance, refurbishment and compliance services across complex and highly regulated environments. Established in 2003 and backed by the wider strength of Axis CLC, operating from 23 UK offices with more than 2,500 employees and over 110 years of combined experience. Concept supports clients across Defence, Education, Healthcare and Critical National Infrastructure, delivering safe, compliant solutions from minor repairs through to full‑scale building works.
We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to cover the Hampshire and surrounding areas, based in our Portsmouth office. The role involves overseeing and managing multiple projects from start through to completion, including the defects period. Projects typically range in value from £150k to £5m, covering internal fit‑out, refurbishment and alteration works.
What You’ll Deliver:
- Ensure that all works are completed on time, within budget and to the highest of standards.
- Have strong communication skills and be able to negotiate with clients, architects, structural engineers and all staff from site workers to directors in a professional and fair manner.
- Be the first point of contact for the client, design team, site managers, subcontractors, suppliers and the general public for as long as the contract lasts.
- Prioritise Health & Safety issues.
- Have excellent verbal and written skills and work in line with the company’s ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems.
- Produce programme of works for projects – including master programmes through to individual work-task items.
- Monitor and oversee the site manager and their project, visiting all projects at least once a week.
- Hold overall commercial responsibility by ensuring projects valuations and practical completion certificates are issued in a timely manner to guarantee swift payments.
About you:
- Experience in managing others and good leadership/people‑management skills.
- Good understanding and technical knowledge of the construction industry, including the ability to read architectural drawings and understand the construction process.
- The ability to construct accurate and realistic construction programmes.
- The ability to fit in well, work as a team member and have initiative and enthusiasm.
- Good communication skills and a positive working attitude towards clients and architects.
- Be well organised and capable of meeting deadlines.
- Strong math and IT skills are essential, and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Project, Word and Outlook is required.
- A good knowledge and understanding of the latest Health & Safety legislation and Building Regulations.
- Have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the contracting process and contract law, especially working with NEC & JCT contracts.
- Possess good commercial sense and experience in decision making.
What We Offer:
- Salary up to £75,000, depending upon experience
- Car Allowance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Private Medical Insurance
- Free On‑Site Parking
Why Axis CLC?
Joining Axis CLC means being part of a national organisation that delivers essential services across housing, education, healthcare, defence and commercial property. You’ll be joining a team that values reliability, quality and social impact, offering long‑term stability, meaningful work and genuine opportunities to grow and progress in your career.
Our Commitment to Inclusion:
Many faces, one Axis CLC. We value diversity and are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
Contract Manager in Portsmouth employer: Axis Europe
At Concept, part of Axis CLC, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the property services sector, offering a dynamic work environment in Portsmouth that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive salary, generous leave policy, and comprehensive benefits, including private medical insurance and a car allowance. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to delivering impactful solutions across critical sectors, where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager in Portsmouth
✨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 Axis Europe, 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 Contract Manager at Axis Europe.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager in Portsmouth
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 Axis Europe
✨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!
