At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee exciting refurbishment and fit-out projects across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and West London.
- Company: Join a specialist contractor known for delivering complex projects in life sciences and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in live operational environments with minimal disruption and high standards.
- Why this job: Lead impactful projects and build strong client relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager with strong stakeholder management skills.
We're working with a specialist contractor that delivers complex new build, refurbishment and fit-out projects within the life sciences, laboratory, research and technology sectors. Operating from their regional office in Oxford, the business works across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and parts of West London, delivering projects typically valued between £1m and £7m. Their schemes range from laboratory upgrades and technical refurbishments through to new build research facilities, cleanrooms and specialist scientific environments. Some projects are delivered within live operational facilities, while others are undertaken within vacant buildings as part of larger redevelopment and expansion programmes.
Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of secured work, they are looking to appoint a Contracts Manager to oversee multiple projects across the region. This role will take responsibility for project delivery, client relationships, programme performance and operational teams, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently and to the high standards the business has become known for.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a portfolio of refurbishment and fit-out projects across the region.
- Supporting projects from pre-construction through to final handover.
- Leading Project Managers and Site Managers across multiple live sites.
- Building strong relationships with clients and maintaining repeat business opportunities.
- Reviewing programmes, construction methodology and project risk.
- Monitoring project performance, safety, quality and commercial outcomes.
- Supporting procurement and subcontractor management.
- Chairing project progress meetings and providing regular operational updates.
- Ensuring works are delivered within highly sensitive and operational environments with minimal disruption.
You will likely possess:
- Previous experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
- Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience delivering projects within live or operational environments.
- Good commercial awareness and understanding of JCT contracts.
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
If you'd like to talk this role through, please apply below or contact James Mitchell at the Southampton Hays office for a confidential conversation.
Contracts Manager in Reading employer: Hays Construction and Property
Join a leading MEP consultancy in Antrim that prioritises innovation and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where your growth is nurtured through structured training and mentorship. As a Junior Sustainability Engineer, you'll engage in diverse projects while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a clear pathway to advance your career in building sustainability.
Contact Details:
Hays Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Reading
✨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 Hays Construction and Property, 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 Hays Construction and Property.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Reading
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 Hays Construction and Property
✨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!
