At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major £30m school project from start to finish, ensuring quality and safety.
- Company: Reputable construction contractor with over 100 years of experience in diverse sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with exposure to future major projects and a clear progression path.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a flagship project while developing your career in construction.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracts or project management, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your new company Hays Belfast are currently recruiting for a Contracts Manager with a highly reputable construction contractor who has over 100 years' experience delivering projects across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. They combine a strong tradition of craftsmanship and core values with a modern, professional approach to project delivery. Operating across a wide range of sectors, they offer a fully integrated service spanning pre-construction, design and build, construction delivery, and ongoing maintenance and FM services.
Joining as Contracts Manager, your new employer is driven by strong principles and a commitment to high standards. Their experienced team consistently delivers quality outcomes, using their expertise to develop innovative solutions on complex projects. They have successfully delivered schemes across key sectors including education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, leisure, transport, conservation, retail, and private residential.
With a growing pipeline of work, they are now preparing to commence a flagship £30m new-build school starting summer 2026 with a 2-year programme.
Your new role As Contracts Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of this major 3-storey school development, built using concrete construction with brick and block work. You will oversee the project life cycle from inception this summer through to completion, ensuring programme, budget, and quality targets are met. This will involve managing site teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders, maintaining strong client relationships, and ensuring strict adherence to health & safety and compliance standards.
You will have the support of a Senior Contracts Manager and a wider leadership team, as well as fully staffed sites to manage the day to day. This is a critical role for the project, and the company is looking to invest long term in the right individual to mould a lasting career.
What you'll need to succeed
- Proven experience in a Contracts Manager or Project Manager role within construction
- Demonstrable track record of delivering large-scale new-build projects (education sector experience beneficial).
- Strong knowledge of concrete frame construction and traditional brick/block work
- Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive programme performance
- Relevant construction qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) and SMSTS (or equivalent)
This role will require you to be based on site, ideally 5 days a week, and given the location of the scheme, candidates based in the County Down, Armagh or border regions would be best suited.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunity to lead a high-profile £30m project from inception to completion
- Long-term career progression within a secure and growing contractor
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Exposure to future major projects within the region
- Viable progression path within the business and opportunity to grow the role further.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Chris McNamara 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 (Construction) in Newry employer: Hays
As a Contracts Manager with this esteemed construction contractor, you will join a company that prides itself on over a century of excellence in delivering high-quality projects across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The organisation fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and significant opportunities for career progression, particularly as you lead a flagship £30m school project from inception to completion. With a commitment to innovation and quality, this employer is dedicated to investing in your long-term career development within a secure and growing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager (Construction) in Newry
✨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, 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 (Construction) at Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager (Construction) in Newry
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
✨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!
