At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage high-end fit-out projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and budget adherence.
- Company: Established family-run contractor with a strong portfolio and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Up to £90,000 salary, performance bonuses, and luxury Marbella villa stay.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Join a team that values development and treats staff like adults.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end fit-out project management and strong client-facing skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Contracts Manager – High-End Fit-Out
- Hampshire Office (predominantly London projects)
I'm working with an established, family-run fit-out contractor that's been delivering high-end fit projects for 41 years, with a turnover just shy of £30m and around 40 staff.
Their work is predominantly high-end retail, with projects ranging from £300k to £11m+, although most sit between £2.5m and £5m.
They also deliver across hospitality, education, offices, car showrooms, stadiums, leisure and high-end hotels.
They're looking for a Contracts Manager to take ownership of projects from handover through to completion.
You'll work closely with a QS to appoint subcontractors, build the programme, manage delivery and be the main point of contact for the client.
You'll either run multiple smaller projects or take the reins on a larger £5m+ scheme, depending on the pipeline and your experience.
What you'll be doing
- Taking projects through from estimator handover to completion
- Working alongside a QS to source and appoint subcontractors
- Producing and managing project programmes
- Leading delivery across high-end fit-out projects up to £11m+
- Acting as the main point of contact for clients throughout the project
- Managing subcontractors, site teams and wider project stakeholders
- Keeping projects on programme, to budget and to the required quality
- Running multiple projects or taking ownership of a larger £5m+ scheme
Why it's a good opportunity
This is a business where people genuinely tend to stick around. They've got a number of long-standing employees, and even those who have left have often ended up coming back.
It's a family-run business that have grown into an established £30m contractor with a seriously strong portfolio of high-end work.
They're also big on developing people.
There are plenty of examples of people who've joined earlier in their careers and progressed within the business, so you'll be joining a company that invests in its people rather than simply expecting you to hit the ground running.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Contracts Manager within high-end fit-out
- Strong track record delivering fast-paced commercial projects
- Experience managing projects around the £2.5m–£5m range
- Comfortable managing larger £5m+ projects or multiple schemes
- Strong client-facing and subcontractor management skills
- Commercially aware and able to work closely with a QS
- Organised, proactive and confident taking ownership of delivery
- Retail or other high-end fit-out experience would be particularly relevant
What's on offer
- Up to £90,000 salary
- Company performance bonus, paid at Christmas/Summer, potentially up to £5,000
- High-end projects across retail, hospitality, education, offices, leisure and more
- Established £30m business with 41 years' trading history
- Predominantly London-based projects
- Long-standing, supportive team and family-run culture
- Strong focus on training and development
- One week a year in the company's luxury Marbella villa
- A business that treats its staff like adults and genuinely looks after them
- A flexible working arrangment that suits the way you work
They're growing the team because there's a lot of work coming through, so there's a genuine reason for the hire rather than simply adding another layer of management.
If you're a Contracts Manager from a fast-paced, high-end fit-out background and want to work for a business that actually looks after its people, this one's worth a conversation.
Let me know if you'd be up for a chat.
Contract Manager in Southampton employer: Bigblue
As a Senior Manager in Technical Services, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. Our flagship City of London retrofit project offers not only a competitive salary but also unique opportunities to lead cutting-edge initiatives while working alongside industry experts. Join us to make a meaningful impact in sustainable design and enjoy a supportive environment that fosters your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager in Southampton
✨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 Bigblue, 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 Bigblue.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager in Southampton
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 Bigblue
✨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!
