At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee multiple refurbishment projects, coordinating subcontractors and ensuring timely delivery.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm in Birmingham with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Permanent position with immediate start and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with around 100 live projects at any time.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in domestic properties while managing exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction management and strong problem-solving skills required.
Location: Birmingham
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: Immediate
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to join a busy construction and refurbishment operation, overseeing a large portfolio of live projects across domestic properties. With around 100 live projects at any one time, this is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys problem-solving, coordinating subcontractors and taking responsibility for projects from inception through to completion. Projects typically range from £5k–£150k, with programmes varying from approximately 2-week bathroom refurbishments through to 3-month extensions. Experience working on adaptations for disabled residents is highly desirable, although it is not essential. Candidates with a strong background in council refurbishment, housing maintenance or small works delivery will also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage multiple live refurbishment and adaptation projects from inception to completion.
- Act as the main point of contact between subcontractors and the client.
- Coordinate and manage subcontractors throughout project delivery.
- Attend sites and resolve practical and technical problems as they arise.
- Manage bathroom refits, extensions, internal alterations and general refurbishment works.
- Process and manage project variations.
- Monitor programme, quality, costs and delivery.
- Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with health & safety requirements.
- Coordinate materials, labour, subcontractors and site requirements.
- Maintain accurate project records and update internal systems.
- Assist with invoicing, project administration and other computer-based processes.
- Communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors and internal teams.
- Ensure projects are completed on time and to the required standard.
- Manage several projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.
About You
We are looking for a hands-on Contracts Manager who is comfortable getting involved in the detail and resolving problems rather than simply managing from a desk. Ideally, you will have experience within small construction projects, refurbishment, housing maintenance or adaptations, with a strong understanding of subcontractor management. Experience working for or alongside organisations such as Wates, Equans or similar large housing/refurbishment contractors would be advantageous.
Key Requirements
- Previous experience as a Contracts Manager, Project Manager or similar construction management role.
- Strong refurbishment and small works experience.
- Experience managing subcontractors.
- Confident dealing with problems and making decisions on site.
- Strong understanding of health & safety requirements.
- Excellent IT and computer skills.
- Experience managing variations and project costs.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage a large number of live projects.
- Adaptations/DFG experience is highly desirable but not essential.
- Local authority/council refurbishment experience is a major advantage.
- Full UK driving licence.
Projects
- Bathroom and wet-room refits.
- Level-access adaptations.
- Internal alterations.
- Extensions.
- General domestic refurbishment.
- Accessibility improvements.
- Small construction and maintenance projects.
Project values: £5,000 – £150,000
Typical programmes: 2 weeks – 3 months
Live projects: Approximately 100 at any one time
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a practical, commercially aware and highly organised Contracts Manager who enjoys managing multiple projects and subcontractors in a fast-paced environment. Immediate start available.
Contracts Manager – Refurbishment & Adaptations in Birmingham employer: Henley Chase
Henley Chase is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and opportunities for professional growth. With flexible office locations in Eastleigh, Portishead, Exeter, or Yeovil, employees benefit from a competitive salary, pension, and ongoing training to enhance their skills in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager – Refurbishment & Adaptations in Birmingham
✨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 Henley Chase, 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 – Refurbishment & Adaptations at Henley Chase.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager – Refurbishment & Adaptations in Birmingham
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 Henley Chase
✨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!
