At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage multiple construction projects, ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
- Company: Join a family-owned leader in fitout and construction services with a proud track record.
- Benefits: Car allowance, pension scheme, BUPA healthcare cover, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills required.
Morris & Spottiswood are one of the UK's leading providers of fitout, refurbishment, M&E and construction services. As a family-owned business with a proud track record of excellence, we aim high, act responsibly and place significant value on our people, our clients and the communities we serve.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe, efficient and timely delivery of Morris & Spottiswood projects, ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance and client satisfaction are achieved throughout.
This role will be based in our Glasgow Office, with a hybrid working model available. Travel to live sites will be required as part of the role, with projects generally located across Scotland.
Reporting to the Operations Manager / Operations Director, the Contracts Manager will play a key role in operational leadership, client management and the delivery of multiple concurrent projects.
Key Responsibilities
The Contracts Manager will hold overall responsibility for the management and delivery of several contracts, or a high-volume contract, at any one time. This includes:
- Managing the end-to-end delivery of projects, ensuring safety, programme, quality and commercial objectives are met.
- Acting as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring clear and effective communication throughout each project lifecycle.
- Leading and coordinating project teams, including site managers and subcontractors, while supporting the development and performance of operational staff.
- Working closely with the Commercial team to manage contract finances, budgets and cost controls.
- Overseeing procurement strategies, subcontractor management and materials planning in conjunction with the Procurement department.
- Ensuring full compliance with all Health & Safety legislation and Morris & Spottiswood's internal H&S Management Systems.
- Planning, programming and phasing works at tender stage and project outset using construction programming software clearly to clients and stakeholders.
- Managing and chairing client, subcontractor and internal team meetings effectively, delegating appropriately and ensuring timely decision-making.
Project Experience
Projects are varied and technically diverse. They can range from simple internal refurbishments of occupied offices to full external works, cladding packages, small new builds and extensions, typically within live environments. Project values usually range from £500k up to £5-6m.
The successful candidate to demonstrate a broad range of sector experience and the ability to operate within sensitive, security controlled environments. The role will therefore require the ability to pass relevant security vetting for work within such settings.
Tendering & Business Development
In addition to live project delivery, applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in leading tenders for future schemes. This includes the ability to:
- Effectively develop and programming works using construction develop software.
- Produce clear, well-structured methodologies and presentations to support bids.
- Engage with clients at pre-construction stage to help secure new work and key accounts.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be a results-driven construction professional with a proven track record of delivering profitable, quality-led contracts. You will be able to demonstrate:
- Extensive experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
- Previous experience working for a blue-chip contractor.
- Strong leadership and line management capability at a senior level.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Sound commercial awareness and a proactive problem-solving approach.
- The ability to work flexibly, manage competing priorities and lead teams effectively.
Qualifications & Requirements
Successful candidates must also:
- Hold a valid Management related CSC Card, SMSTS, and First Aid certification.
- Be fully IT literate, with advanced proficiency in Word and Excel.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
- Be flexible in working hours and willing to work from either office or site as required.
Benefits
- Car allowance
- pension scheme
- BUPA healthcare cover for couples
Morris & Spottiswood is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are passionate about investing in our people and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that supports innovation, collaboration and long term success.
As part of our recruitment process, we may share your personal information with Cifas, a fraud prevention agency, toassistwith the prevention and detection of fraud or other unlawful conduct and to verify your identity. If fraudulent or unlawful activity isidentified,you could be refused certain services oremploymentanditmayimpactyour application. Further information about how your data will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, is available at .
Contracts Manager employer: Morris and Spottiswood
Livingston Building Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Estimating team. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that values teamwork and relationship-building with clients and stakeholders. Located in a vibrant area, the company provides a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that make a real impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts 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 Morris and Spottiswood, 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 at Morris and Spottiswood.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts 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 Morris and Spottiswood
✨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!
