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 focus on public sector projects.
- 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 construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing multiple projects and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ 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 – West Kent in Tonbridge employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts manager – Main contractor – West Kent in Tonbridge
✨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 – Main contractor – West Kent at Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts manager – Main contractor – West Kent in Tonbridge
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!
