At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-site soft services operations and ensure service excellence.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing client relationships and driving performance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in contract management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead multi-site soft services operations across a multi-site portfolio. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality services, maintaining strong client relationships, and driving commercial performance across contracts. You will act as the primary client interface, ensuring service excellence, contractual compliance, and continuous improvement while managing operational teams across multiple locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day delivery of soft services contracts across multiple sites
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients and key stakeholders
- Take full commercial ownership of contracts, including P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
- Identify and deliver commercial opportunities, efficiencies, and service enhancements
- Ensure compliance with contractual KPIs, SLAs, health & safety, and statutory requirements
- Lead, develop, and motivate on-site management teams to drive performance and engagement
- Manage contract reviews, client meetings, and performance reporting
- Support mobilisations, demobilisations, and contract retention activity
- Handle escalations professionally and proactively, ensuring swift resolution
About You
- Proven experience as a Contract Manager (or similar) within soft services FM
- At least five years’ experience delivering in similar roles
- Demonstrated success managing multi-site operations
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets and driving profitability
- Confident client-facing professional with excellent relationship management skills
- Strong leadership capability with the ability to influence and engage teams
- Highly organised, resilient, and solutions-focused
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, operational environment
- Flexible time management and ability to prioritise
- IOSH / NEBOSH or equivalent H&S qualification
- Experience working with public or private sector clients
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Career development and progression opportunities
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Contract Manager in Manchester employer: Chartwells Independent
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and benefits package alongside ample career development opportunities. Our supportive and collaborative work culture fosters diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Join us in a dynamic environment where your leadership skills will thrive as you manage multi-site operations and build strong client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Contract Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their values and how they operate, especially in soft services. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of managing multi-site operations. Highlight your commercial acumen and relationship management skills to make a lasting impression.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in managing multi-site operations and your commercial acumen to show us you’re the right fit for the Contract Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Share examples of how you've built strong client relationships and driven performance in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role requires strong leadership capabilities, make sure to include specific examples of how you’ve motivated teams and influenced positive outcomes. We want to see how you can engage and develop on-site management teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the contracts you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've ensured compliance with KPIs and SLAs, as well as how you've driven commercial performance. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling contract management.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Since this role involves building strong client relationships, prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to engage and influence stakeholders. Think about times when you've successfully navigated challenges with clients or improved service delivery through collaboration. This will demonstrate your client-facing capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've developed on-site management teams and driven performance. This will help illustrate your strong leadership capability, which is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as escalations or contract reviews. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain service excellence under pressure. This will show that you're solutions-focused and resilient.
