At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple education refurbishment projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
- Company: Established main contractor with a strong public sector focus and a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy over projects, and support from experienced teams.
- Other info: Long-term role with opportunities for professional growth in a stable environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing company making a real impact in the education sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing multiple projects and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
A well-established £20m turnover main contractor operating across London and the South East, specialising in public sector projects including education, healthcare and local authority works. Established for nearly two decades, the business delivers Design & Build, refurbishment and specialist projects, often within live and operational environments.
Project values typically range from £200k to £2m, with a strong pipeline of secured work through both frameworks and competitively tendered projects. Due to a sustained period of planned growth and newly awarded education schemes, the business is now seeking to strengthen its delivery team with the appointment of an additional Contracts Manager.
This is a newly created position to support continued growth across predominantly education refurbishment projects. As Contracts Manager, you will take full responsibility for 3-5 live projects at any one time, acting as the overall lead and main point of contact from pre-construction through to handover.
Key duties will include:
- Overall responsibility for programme delivery, quality, health & safety and client satisfaction.
- Programming, design coordination, sequencing and managing delivery in live environments.
- Managing and leading site teams and subcontractors across multiple projects.
- Client and consultant liaison, maintaining long-standing relationships.
- Problem-solving and proactive management of risk and change.
- Full autonomy over your schemes, reporting directly to the Construction Director.
- Working closely with an experienced commercial and in-house design team to support successful delivery.
What you'll need to succeed:
- You will be an experienced Contracts Manager, or an established Project Manager looking to step up into a multi-project role within a main contractor environment.
- You will have experience delivering multiple projects concurrently from pre-construction to completion.
- Strong knowledge of Design & Build procurement.
- Previous experience on education projects or similar public sector schemes (live environments desirable).
- Confident client-facing and leadership skills.
- A structured, programme-led approach with strong coordination ability.
- A desire for a long-term, permanent role based in Kent or the surrounding areas.
- Candidates from either trades or academic backgrounds will be considered.
What you'll get in return:
- You will be joining a growing contractor with a stable leadership team, strong public sector client base and a clear long-term workload.
- The role offers genuine autonomy over your projects.
- Support from experienced surveying and design departments.
- A long-term position within a business investing in sustainable growth.
- Competitive salary and package, aligned with experience.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Contracts manager - Main contractor employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a well-established main contractor with a strong reputation in the public sector, where you will enjoy genuine autonomy over your projects and the support of experienced teams. With a focus on sustainable growth and a stable leadership team, this role offers excellent opportunities for professional development and long-term career progression in a collaborative work culture. Located in Kent, you'll be part of a dynamic environment that values quality, health & safety, and client satisfaction.
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts manager - Main contractor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Contracts Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in education refurbishment. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts manager - Main contractor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience with multiple projects, especially in education or public sector schemes. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Contracts Manager, you'll be leading teams and liaising with clients. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and client-facing skills in your application. We love seeing candidates who can manage relationships effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects the company undertakes, especially in education and public sector works. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their project values and how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Contracts Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed teams or resolved conflicts on-site. Highlight your client-facing skills and how you've maintained long-term relationships with clients and consultants.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in live environments. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. This will show your proactive management style and ability to handle risks effectively.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company's values and culture before your interview. Being able to articulate why you want to work there and how you fit into their vision will set you apart. Show enthusiasm for their commitment to sustainable growth and how you can contribute to that journey.
