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- Tasks: Manage exciting office fit-out projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and safety.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative commercial projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension, and commission for successful projects.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment where your project management skills can shine and make a difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract or project management within the commercial fit-out sector is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Office-based when not visiting site (Essex)
Reporting To: Managing Director
Job Role: The Contract Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of a range of works, from multiple smaller-value contracts through to full commercial fit-out projects, from pre-construction to final account. The role requires strong commercial awareness, excellent project control, and the ability to manage multiple programmes concurrently, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, to specification, and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Project & Contract Management
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, typically ranging from £5k to £2m in value
- Oversee projects from contract award through to completion and defects period
- Administer building contracts (e.g. JCT Design & Build, JCT Minor Works)
- Manage project programmes, budgets, and cash flow
- Ensure compliance with contract terms, specifications, and drawings
- Commercial Management
- Prepare and manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports
- Manage variations, change control, and final accounts
- Procure subcontractors and suppliers, including tender analysis and appointment
- Value subcontractor works and manage payment processes
- Site & Delivery
- Coordinate site teams, subcontractors, and consultants
- Carry out regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and safety
- Resolve site issues and design queries efficiently
- Ensure projects are delivered to agreed quality standards
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all projects comply with H&S legislation and internal procedures
- Prepare and review Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
- Promote a strong health and safety culture across all sites
- Deliver toolbox talks and site briefings as required
- Client Management
- Act as main point of contact for clients, consultants, and landlords
- Attend and lead client and progress meetings
- Build and maintain strong client relationships to encourage repeat business
- Handover & Close-Out
- Manage practical completion, snagging, and handover documentation
- Ensure O&M manuals and certification are completed and issued
- Close out final accounts
Required Experience
- Proven experience as a Contract Manager or Project Manager within the commercial fit-out sector
- Strong background delivering office, retail, hospitality, or mixed-use fit-out projects
- Experience managing projects in live environments and fast-track programmes
- Solid understanding of construction contracts and commercial management
Qualifications
- SMSTS
- NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management (desirable)
- CSCS Black or Gold Card (preferred)
- First Aid at Work (desirable)
- IOSH
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial and contractual knowledge
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Confident communicator with strong client-facing ability
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software
- Full UK driving licence required
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and results-driven
- Calm under pressure
- Detail-oriented with a hands-on approach
- Professional and approachable leadership style
- Strong team player
Package
- Salary: £45,000–£55,000
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Commission paid for projects successfully delivered for clients introduced by the individual
Contracts Manager - Office Fit out in Essex employer: Henley Chase
Contact Detail:
Henley Chase Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager - Office Fit out in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections 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 managing multiple fit-out projects. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager - Office Fit out in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing fit-out projects and your understanding of construction contracts. 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 project management successes and how you’ve handled challenges in the past. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your key skills in your application. Mention your commercial awareness, organisational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects. We’re looking for someone who can juggle tasks like a pro!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley Chase
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of contracts mentioned in the job description, like JCT Design & Build and JCT Minor Works. Brush up on your knowledge of contract administration and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed contracts in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of projects you've managed, especially those in the commercial fit-out sector. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple projects, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with specifications. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your success.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
As a Contract Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, and site teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong client relationships and resolved conflicts in the past.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with H&S legislation and risk assessments. Share examples of how you've promoted a safety culture on-site and handled any safety issues that arose during projects.
