At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major repairs and maintenance contracts, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Established housing association in the West Midlands with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience managing large-scale contracts required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands (Hybrid working – 2–3 days in the office)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
We are recruiting on behalf of a well‑established housing association in the West Midlands for an experienced Senior Contract Manager to lead the delivery of major repairs and maintenance contracts. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the contractual relationship with a major repairs and maintenance contractor, ensuring high‑quality, cost‑effective services that meet compliance standards, customer expectations, and performance targets. You will also play a pivotal role in embedding a new contract management framework across property services, supporting colleagues and driving improvements in contract governance and service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the overall performance and financial delivery of major repairs and maintenance contracts.
- Oversee contract delivery from tender stage through to completion, including responsive repairs, asset investment works, and specialist projects.
- Monitor contractor performance against KPIs and SLAs through audits, reporting, and regular review meetings.
- Analyse and cross‑reference operational data to ensure accuracy and performance transparency.
- Manage contract variations, disputes, and negotiations effectively.
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, statutory requirements, and internal policies.
- Implement quality control processes, including post‑inspections and service performance reviews.
- Manage contract budgets, approve invoices, and ensure value for money, including correct use of Schedule of Rates (SoRs).
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvements without compromising quality.
- Act as the primary contact for contractors and internal stakeholders on all contract management matters.
- Lead contract reviews and contribute to procurement strategies and mobilisation of new service providers where required.
- Support the development and implementation of a consistent contract management framework across property services.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Provide effective line management to team members, including performance management, coaching, and development.
- Support delivery of departmental objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct regular one‑to‑one meetings, performance reviews, and manage attendance in line with policy.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
- Ensure team compliance with health and safety requirements and mandatory training standards.
About You
We are looking for a commercially aware and technically knowledgeable contract management professional with strong leadership skills and experience managing large‑scale repairs and maintenance contracts.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Degree or professional qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Facilities Management, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience managing large‑scale repairs and maintenance contracts.
- Proven experience in contractor performance management, compliance, and SLA/KPI monitoring.
- Strong experience in cost control, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, health & safety, and building compliance standards.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.
Desirable
- Professional membership (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB)
- Experience within social housing or property maintenance environments.
- Knowledge of responsive repairs, damp & mould, disrepair, and voids management.
- Project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, APM).
Senior Contract Manager employer: Karter Thomas Limited
Join a well-established housing association in the West Midlands, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With hybrid working options and a commitment to high-quality service delivery, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful projects while enjoying competitive benefits and a focus on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contract Manager
✨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 Karter Thomas Limited, 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 Senior Contract Manager at Karter Thomas Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contract Manager
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 Karter Thomas Limited
✨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!
