Senior Contracts Manager, Operations Manager or Project Director delivering DfE schools? This is a secure opportunity to step beyond individual projects and lead a full Education portfolio with progression to Board Level Director. Mandala Group has been exclusively retained to appoint an Associate Director – Construction Delivery (Education) for one of the UK's most progressive main contractors. Based in either London or Yorkshire, this is a significant senior appointment within an established Education business that has successfully delivered through DfE CF21 and secured its position on CF25 frameworks. The projects are moving into delivery. Now the business wants the right construction leader to take ownership of performance across the portfolio. More than another Project Director role, the Associate Director – Construction Delivery (Education) sits above the individual Project Leads. You'll maintain the overarching view across multiple DfE school projects: programme, commercial, design, construction, risk, quality, client and people. Your Project Leads run their projects, you lead the portfolio. The Associate Director will bring together Project Management, Commercial, Design, off-site Production and on-site Operations, driving performance across the complete delivery process. Rather than operating through a conventional construction model, it brings design, manufacturing, MMC/off-site construction and on-site delivery together, delivering complex public-sector buildings through an increasingly industrialised approach to construction. This is modern construction at scale, backed by an established DfE track record and a significant future pipeline. Where could it take you? The Associate Director isn't intended to be the ceiling. As the business continues to grow, the intention is for this person to develop towards Regional Director and Board-level operational responsibility. For an ambitious Senior Contracts Manager, Operations Manager, Project Director or Construction Director, that's what makes this more than simply the next job. Who are we looking for? We're looking for a senior main contractor construction professional with strong Education delivery experience. You'll ideally bring: * Department for Education / DfE school construction experience * CF21, CF25, ESFA or previous DfE framework knowledge * Main contractor delivery experience * Multiple-project or portfolio responsibility * Leadership of Project Managers, Project Leads or Contracts Managers * Strong programme, commercial, design and operational understanding * Experience delivering new-build schools and complex Education projects You could currently be an Operations Manager, Senior Contracts Manager, Project Director, Construction Director or Education Delivery Lead. Package £105,000–£130,000 - dependent on experience, Car allowance Discretionary annual bonus with potential profit-share upside 25 days' holiday Pension Private medical Healthcare cash plan 4x basic salary life assurance. A senior package, secured DfE workload, an innovative construction model and a genuine route towards Regional Director and Board-level responsibility. If that sounds like the next step you’ve been waiting for, apply now for a confidential conversation
Associate Director - Construction Delivery employer: Mandala Group Ltd
Join a reputable and growing specialist contractor that prioritises quality workmanship and invests in its people. As a Lead Damp & Waterproofing Technician, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture with opportunities for ongoing training and career progression, all while working on meaningful projects across NW London and Greater London. With a stable pipeline of work, competitive benefits including a company vehicle, bonuses, and generous holiday leave, this is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding and long-term career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Construction Delivery
✨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 Mandala Group Ltd, 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 Associate Director - Construction Delivery at Mandala Group Ltd.
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 Mandala Group Ltd
✨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!
