At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and motivate contractors to achieve performance targets.
- Company: Join Canterbury City Council's progressive Facilities Management team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Work from home with site visits; excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Construction Law or Contract Law and relevant professional membership required.
The predicted salary is between 48963 - 48963 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity in Canterbury, Kent. Canterbury City Council is a progressive local authority with an extremely varied stock of both housing properties and commercial building portfolios. This is a unique opportunity to join Canterbury City Council’s collaborative Facilities Management team as a Contracts Officer, taking responsibility for the service’s externally commissioned contracts across our exciting portfolio.
What’s in it for you?
- A starting salary of £48,963.69
- Flexible working arrangements that support and encourage a good work-life balance.
- We’ll cover your relevant Professional Registration Fee for you (e.g., RICS, CABE, CIOB)
- We’ll support and encourage your career by providing excellent opportunities for training and development.
- Generous annual leave entitlement, starting at 23 days (increasing to 28) PLUS 3 additional days over the Christmas period whilst the Council offices are closed.
- We do not work on Bank Holidays.
- A fantastic local government pension scheme.
- Employee perks, including multiple retailer and lifestyle discounts to tackle the cost of living and help you enjoy your free time.
- Free use of Canterbury’s Park and Ride for an easier commute.
About this Contracts Officer job opportunity in Canterbury:
This role will be primarily home based with site visits and meetings at the council offices/hubs when required. Access to an office space is available if preferred or wherever appropriate. Within the Facilities Management team, you will be the subject matter expert in relation to managing contractors and tendering a variety of construction contracts. You’ll manage and motivate contractors to achieve performance targets.
To successfully deliver contract management across the whole council estate, you will work closely with other council services to develop and nurture a “one team” approach. With a focus on continuous improvement, you will have the opportunity to take responsibility for the management of key contracts, including budgetary control, development of delivery plans, and analysis of contract performance.
As a Contracts Manager you will use your technical expertise to deliver procurement efficiencies and value for money for the council through expert specification writing, scope of works, etc. Your procurement activities will always be properly and legally procured. You will ensure that the correct legal notices and payments are issued in line with the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
When required, you may act as Principal Designer. You’ll accurately value construction work completed and scrutinise contractor’s interim and final accounts. You’ll answer questions about the delivery of contracts and instruments they relate to such as HSG274, control of asbestos regulations, lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations to ensure compliance.
Working pattern of our Contracts Officers:
- Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
- 37 hours per week.
- Permanent full-time contract.
- A full week off over Christmas! Plus 23 days of annual leave to use throughout the rest of the year, increasing to 28 days after 5 years of service.
About you, the ideal Contracts Officer for Canterbury City Council:
Your Qualifications
- You should be a member of a relevant professional body (including CIBSE, RICS, IMechE, CIPHE, MIET)
- You’ll have successfully completed a suitable Degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma in a subject that covers Construction Law and/or Contract Law.
- A full driving licence is required for this job opportunity.
- You’ll have a strong knowledge of:
- Building services, contract management and specialist work areas;
- Performance monitoring systems;
- National policies and procedures relating to contracts delivered by local government;
- Commissioning processes and practices;
- Compliance regarding statutory landlord obligations;
- Technical understanding of building compliance (BS 7671, Gas Safety Regulations and Use, Control of Asbestos Regulations).
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Canterbury City Council.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, included and respected. Our diversity strengthens our ability to serve the diverse communities we support through our work. To demonstrate this through our actions, all applications are anonymised for the shortlisting panel, allowing all applicants to be assessed on merit alone.
Contracts Officer (Assets) in Canterbury employer: Canterbury City Council
Canterbury City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary of £48,963.69 along with flexible working arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance. With generous annual leave, support for professional registration fees, and a commitment to continuous development, employees can thrive in a collaborative environment while enjoying unique perks such as free Park and Ride access and a robust local government pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Officer (Assets) in Canterbury
✨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 Canterbury City Council, 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 Officer (Assets) at Canterbury City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Officer (Assets) in Canterbury
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 Canterbury City Council
✨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!
