At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value construction projects from planning to completion, ensuring quality and safety.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous improvement in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management with strong construction knowledge and financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Project Lead to take full ownership of high-value construction and infrastructure projects. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle—from early-stage planning through to final handover and post-completion review. You will act as the key on-site decision-maker, driving performance, safety, quality, and profitability while managing multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Pre-Construction & Planning
- Oversee the development of project schedules, execution strategies, and tender submissions.
- Partner with the estimating function to develop and maintain the master programme during bid stages.
- Direct the commercial team on major preliminary cost items, including plant, site setup, and temporary works.
- Lead internal kick-off and production meetings; support resource planning alongside senior operations leadership.
- Manage the procurement schedule, coordinate statutory notifications, and prepare logistics and temporary works frameworks—with early health and safety planning embedded.
- Attend design review meetings, providing progress updates and technical insight.
- Project Delivery & Execution
- Lead all project functions, including planning, risk management, financial performance, compliance, stakeholder relations, design coordination, and project close-out.
- Ensure that all project team members and supply chain partners meet required competency standards for safety, quality, and environmental performance.
- Coordinate consultant and subcontractor design outputs in line with contract requirements, including digital delivery where specified.
- Maintain and update the Project Execution Plan, with particular emphasis on health, safety, and quality standards.
- Track progress against the master schedule; collaborate with site teams and subcontractors to review construction methodologies, optimise buildability, and protect the company’s contractual position through timely notices and documentation.
- Uphold site presentation and professional standards to reinforce the company’s reputation.
- Manage information flow, document control, and reporting cycles; deliver accurate cost-to-complete forecasts and monthly performance reports.
- Drive towards Practical Completion, proactively resolving issues to avoid delays.
- Commercial & Supply Chain Management
- Lead the selection, onboarding, and performance monitoring of subcontractors, including pre-order and progress meetings.
- Supervise the work of commercial and site management teams; monitor subcontractor output and site productivity to meet milestones.
- Review and authorise expenditure, subcontractor appointments, and financial controls within delegated authority levels.
- Project Completion & Continuous Improvement
- Manage the defects process through to the issuance of the Making Good Defects certificate.
- Guide the commercial team on claims for loss and expense and final account settlement.
- Oversee final commissioning, client handover, and post-completion care.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, embedding lessons learned into future project delivery.
- Conduct performance and development reviews with direct reports and support their professional growth.
Candidate Profile
- Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management within the built environment, with a track record of successfully delivering multiple projects across different sectors.
- Strong technical understanding of construction principles, methodologies, and engineering practices.
- Proven ability to manage project finances, risk, and commercial performance.
- Working knowledge of standard industry contract forms and familiarity with sustainability assessment frameworks.
- A relevant professional qualification in construction, engineering, or a related discipline (degree or equivalent); chartered status is highly desirable.
- Valid Health & Safety certification.
- Training or competency in Temporary Works Coordination, Excavation Safety, and permitting for works near live utilities.
- Demonstrated competence in Working at Heights, Scaffolding, and Lifting/Cranage operations.
- Familiarity with Behavioural Safety, Root Cause Analysis, and statutory requirements.
- Desirable (but not essential)
- Formal training or proven experience in Contracts Management, Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR).
- Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to resolve conflict and motivate diverse teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication capabilities.
- Analytical, methodical, and commercially minded, with a focus on delivering results.
Contracts Manager in Belfast employer: NECTO Search & Selection
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking company that values innovation and excellence in project management. As a Contracts Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement, while benefiting from extensive professional development opportunities. Located in a vibrant area, our company offers a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Belfast
✨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 NECTO Search & Selection, 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 NECTO Search & Selection.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Belfast
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 NECTO Search & Selection
✨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!
