At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple projects in the power infrastructure sector, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: OCU Group, a rapidly growing company in the UK's power infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career development, and support for your growth.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in utilities or construction, strong leadership, and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Department: Regulated Power
Location: Greenwich
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-Time Office & Site Based Regular Travel
Pay / Benefits: Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector.
The Opportunity
As OCU continues to expand its presence across the UK's power infrastructure sector, we are looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the delivery of multiple projects across our operations portfolio. This is a senior leadership role where you'll be responsible for driving operational performance, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with clients, Project Managers, and operational teams, influencing strategic delivery across a diverse range of programmes. If you're a strong leader who thrives on improving performance, building relationships, and delivering results, this role offers excellent scope for impact and career progression.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the operational delivery of multiple projects, ensuring programme, safety, quality, and commercial objectives are achieved.
- Manage and support Project Managers, Site Managers, and delivery teams to drive performance across all workstreams.
- Coordinate labour, plant, materials, and subcontractor resources to maximise operational efficiency.
- Monitor project programmes and implement solutions to mitigate delays and maintain delivery commitments.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a key point of contact throughout project delivery.
- Drive compliance with company procedures, industry regulations, and health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Review operational performance, identify risks and opportunities, and provide regular updates to senior leadership.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and operational effectiveness.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- Significant experience within utilities, power, infrastructure, construction, or engineering environments.
- Proven track record managing complex projects and leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of operational delivery, programme management, and resource planning.
- Demonstrable experience managing client relationships and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience working within DNO, Transmission & Distribution, or regulated utility frameworks.
- Bonus if you have managed large-scale power or utility infrastructure projects.
- It would be great if you hold SMSTS, IOSH, NEBOSH, NVQ Level 6, or other relevant industry qualifications.
- It would be great if you've been responsible for project budgets, forecasting, and commercial performance management.
What We Offer
At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us. Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace. As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long-term career within OCU Group.
Contract Manager employer: OCU
OCU is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive work culture and offers flexible working hours, making it an ideal place for those seeking a balance between personal and professional life. With a strong emphasis on employee growth opportunities, team members are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to delivering exceptional customer service in the vibrant city of Leeds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 OCU, 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 Contract Manager at OCU.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 OCU
✨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!
