At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join Cala Group, a top UK housebuilder focused on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace where you can thrive and be yourself.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in building vibrant communities and enhancing customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracts management and strong people skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and driven Contracts Manager to join our Construction team. Working closely with the Construction Director, Head of Customer Service, and colleagues across Technical, Sales, Land and Commercial teams, you will play a key role in delivering multiple developments on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. You will be responsible for the successful delivery of the business plan across your allocated sites, ensuring all KPI targets are achieved while driving quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT
- Support the business in all HSE matters.
- Comply and promote a positive approach to the communication and implementation of the Group HSE policies and promote a positive safety culture within the business.
- Work in an environmentally responsible manner and always set a good personal example of safe behaviour.
- Communicate and implement the Regional HSE improvement plan.
- Ensure tablet compliance for all HSE docs are achieved.
- Effectively communicate all HSE directives and matters to the development teams, SHE Team and regional office team.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Ensure the Cala Customer Service process & procedures are followed for IGM, Demo, Home tour, Handover, 7 day visit and handover of home to our customers.
- Liaise with our Customer service dept to assist in the management of our customers and provide technical support where/when required.
- Manage and communicate all open surveys over your developments for In-House, NHBC 8 week and NHBC 9 month surveys and feed back any potential issues with a plan for resolution.
- Manage any interactions with the NHQB to ensure standards are met.
PROGRAMME
- Attend DTM and PTM and prepare build programme and overall logistics for new developments.
- Effectively manage live Development Build programmes to ensure all KPI's and business objectives are met.
- Identify early warnings as to potential issues which may affect any aspect of delivery and set structured plan to mitigate.
- Work effectively with the Commercial dept to ensure management of the development margin is understood and maintained.
QUALITY
- Promote the Cala standard and effectively manage the teams to deliver to the Cala minimum standards.
- Ensure tablet compliance for all the Cala Quality process is achieved.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Act as a Cala leader in line with the standards set out in the Cala Leadership Framework - Contracts Manager.
- Be an ambassador for the Cala Sustainability agenda and conduct yourself and your team in a manner aligned to the respective business goals and deliverables.
- Proactively control site costs through identifying overspend, cost efficient use of resources, managing sub-contractor relationships and continued discussion with Construction Director.
- Work with the site quantity surveyor to plan preliminary costs of a site.
- Work with the site Technical Manager to review designs and ensure buildability factors are considered.
- Help create and deliver the MySite Home Passport process prior to any site start and then monitor and control its process delivery through the site teams.
- Monitor site activity against quality standards, productivity targets and deadlines (PDI & transfers).
- Provide direction, guidance and support to Site Managers/teams to ensure they know what is expected of them and delegate work appropriately.
- Help create and provide clear direction, guidance and support to the site team prior to site start around all pre-construction activities and plans.
- Fully manage and support your teams, key items PDR, Holidays, Absence Management, Training and employee welfare.
- Day to day line management of Site Management on allocated sites, including escalated people matters regarding operatives.
- Provide support for people issues on site that are escalated by the Site Managers.
- Respond to site/development issues with logic, reason and decisiveness when required.
- Actively involved in planning sites (e.g. at pre-tender and pre-start stages).
- Manage sub-contractors, consultants, suppliers and clients.
- Assist site teams with escalation of issues with sub-contractors where necessary.
- Produce clear, accurate, well-structured and timely information for Board reports.
- Ensure compliance with company procedures, policies and goals (e.g. ISO procedures).
- Ensure compliance with our customer service process delivery and ensure that delivery of quality and service is maintained through the site team.
- Delivery of site close out procedures are critical to the success of good customer and cost-effective service.
- Effectively lead and manage the recruitment, induction and development of site teams, offering guidance and support where necessary.
- Assist the site team or Customer Service department with any escalated complaints from customers and ensure that the complaint is satisfactorily resolved.
- Ensure customer focus is upheld on developments by the site teams and that the necessary empathy is provided.
- Oversee and ensure that HSE-related documents are kept up to date and undertake senior manager site inspections.
- Ensure team compliance with Company procedures and legal obligations.
- Allocate HS&E responsibilities and duties for site personnel, check understanding and provide training as necessary.
- Maintain and manage construction sites and subcontractors, ensuring all subcontractors follow procedures and processes.
About You
- With previous Contracts Manager experience necessary, you will have strong people management skills to help the team to ensure the highest health and safety compliance for all.
- You will also have knowledge of planning the preliminary costs of sites including pre-tender and pre-start stages, and be commercially aware as your role will be accountable for proactively controlling site costs.
- Line Management experience including performance and absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedures and recruitment and well-being.
- HNC/BSc in Construction or Building studies (desirable).
- Trade background: knowledge and/or proven experience of the house building sector.
- Reliable and Flexible.
- Ability to engage with the wider project team for problem solving and to make informed and decisive decisions.
- High level of proficiency in various computer packages including MS Office Products - Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Self-motivated and pro-active; acts on own initiative.
- Excellent written, verbal and listening skills.
- Excellent planning and organising skills.
- Effective Leadership demonstrated to the wider team.
- Coach and build the skills and development of the people within your team.
- Effective at building relationships.
- Effectively manage and monitor development plans.
- Must have a valid: CITB - SMSTS, First Aid at Work (FAW), Appropriate CSCS Card.
- Ideally have a valid: Basic Scaffold Theory and Inspection, Site Environmental Management, CITB - Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC).
- Have experience working to NHBC standards.
- Held previous position conducting this role.
- Experience in house building project management.
Additional Information
Please be aware that if you are invited to interview for this role, you will be required to show proof of your right to work in the UK. We recognise that a diverse team makes us a stronger and more successful company. We value different ideas and perspectives as it helps improve our decision-making, products and services. And we're striving to create an inclusive work environment, in which everyone can feel comfortable as themselves, uniquely contribute and do their best work.
About Us
The Cala Group is a major UK housebuilder and leading provider of desirable new homes across Scotland, the South of England & Midlands. Driven by a mission to create vibrant and sustainable new communities, our homes are characterised by exceptional design and sector-leading build quality, and we have a passion for providing our customers with a great home buying experience. This is an exciting time to be at Cala. Our approach to sustainability and technology is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and we're aiming to create an industry-leading experience for both our staff and customers. At Cala, you can expect to be part of an environment which allows you to do meaningful work, while offering opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to be the favoured employer in our industry and beyond. We encourage applications from those who want to be part of a culture where they can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and be comfortable being themselves at work.
Contracts Manager employer: CALA Homes
Cala Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Contracts Managers can thrive while contributing to the delivery of high-quality homes. With a strong focus on health, safety, and employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Located in vibrant communities across Scotland and the South of England, we foster a culture of inclusivity and sustainability, making it an exciting time to join us as we transform the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager
✨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 CALA Homes, 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 CALA Homes.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
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 CALA Homes
✨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!
