At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting construction projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and safety.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative fit-out projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and commission for successful projects.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong commercial awareness required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
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
Junior Contracts Manager - Construction in Essex employer: Henley Chase
Contact Detail:
Henley Chase Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Contracts Manager - Construction in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the construction industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your past projects. Highlight your experience managing contracts and delivering projects on time and within budget. It’s all about proving you can handle the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your background in commercial fit-out aligns with their needs. Tailor your answers to show you understand their challenges and how you can help solve them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Junior Contracts Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Contracts Manager - Construction in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing projects, especially in the commercial fit-out sector, and showcase your understanding of construction contracts. We want to see how your skills align with 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 passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like SMSTS or NVQ Level 6 that could give you an edge.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your project management skills. Talk about specific projects you've managed, the budgets involved, and how you ensured they were delivered on time and within budget. We love seeing real examples of your work!
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 your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley Chase
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction contracts, especially JCT Design & Build and JCT Minor Works. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the core of the role and can manage projects effectively.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to keep everything on track, as this is crucial for a Junior Contracts Manager.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Management Abilities
Think of instances where you've built strong relationships with clients or resolved conflicts. Being a confident communicator is key, so practice articulating how you’ve maintained client satisfaction in previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Health and Safety
Familiarise yourself with health and safety legislation relevant to construction. Be prepared to talk about how you've promoted safety on site and handled risk assessments, as this will be a significant part of your responsibilities.