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 stable leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy over projects, and support from experienced teams.
- Other info: Long-term role with opportunities for sustainable growth in Kent.
- Why this job: Join a growing company and make a real impact in the education sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing multiple projects and strong client-facing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Your new company is 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.
Your new role 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 - West Kent employer: Hays
Join a well-established main contractor in West Kent, renowned for its commitment to public sector projects and a strong pipeline of work. With a focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, you will enjoy genuine autonomy over your projects while collaborating with experienced teams in a stable environment. This role offers competitive remuneration and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful education refurbishment initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts manager - Main contractor - West Kent
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local construction events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Experience
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience with multiple projects and your knowledge of Design & Build procurement. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects in live environments, especially in education or public sector settings.
✨Be Proactive
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one offering the Contracts Manager role. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. Sometimes, creating your own path can lead to unexpected chances.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you see a role that fits you, 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 reach out directly. Let’s get you that Contracts Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts manager - Main contractor - West Kent
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 environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Contracts Manager, you'll be leading teams and liaising with clients. Use your application to showcase your leadership experience and client-facing skills. We love seeing examples of how you've managed teams and built relationships!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all the necessary documents in one go. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 proactively managed risks and changes. This will show your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company's values and culture before your interview. Being able to articulate why you want to work for them 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.
