Senior Contracts Manager / Contracts Manager & Team Lead Commercial Roofing & External Refurbishment Location: London & South East – Hybrid and site-based, with Head Office in Surbiton, Surrey Employment Type: Full-Time Reporting to: Head of Contracts Salary: £55,000–£65,000 plus car allowance Start Date: ASAP The Opportunity This is a key leadership opportunity for someone with substantial experience in commercial roofing and refurbishment who can take ownership of large-scale projects, lead and develop a team, and play a significant role in the continued growth of the business. The successful candidate will enjoy genuine long-term career progression, with a clear pathway towards heading up the Contracts Department. The Role You will take responsibility for managing your own portfolio of projects from initial survey through to practical completion and final account. All projects involve the refurbishment and re-roofing of existing, often occupied, buildings. The business operates exclusively as Principal Contractor, holding contracts directly with clients and taking full responsibility for project delivery. Key responsibilities will include: Managing large-scale commercial roof refurbishment and replacement projects from start to completion. Taking full commercial responsibility for project budgets, margins, valuations and final accounts. Ensuring the highest standards of quality, health and safety across all projects. Preparing, implementing and monitoring all relevant project documentation and compliance procedures. Recruiting and managing labour and subcontractor teams to meet project requirements. Managing, mentoring and developing junior members of the contracts team. Identifying opportunities to improve departmental processes, performance and operational efficiency. Building and maintaining strong client relationships through regular communication and site visits. Delivering projects that meet or exceed client expectations, maximising repeat business and recommendations. What We're Looking For The ideal candidate will be an experienced Contracts Manager or Senior Contracts Manager with a strong background in commercial roofing refurbishment and replacement. You will be commercially astute, confident in managing projects independently and capable of taking a leadership role within a growing department. Essential experience and attributes: Extensive experience in commercial roof refurbishment and replacement, ideally on large-scale projects. Established contacts and relationships within the commercial roofing and construction industry. Excellent commercial and contractual understanding of construction projects. Proven ability to manage project budgets, valuations, variations, applications for payment and final accounts. Strong working knowledge of JCT contracts and contract administration. A successful track record of delivering projects safely, on programme and within budget. Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. Experience managing and developing project teams, labour and subcontractors. A proactive, ambitious and commercially focused approach. The drive and ability to contribute to the long-term development and growth of a department. The Benefits £55,000–£65,000, depending on experience. Car allowance. Genuine long-term career progression, with a clear opportunity to progress towards Head of Contracts. Training, mentoring and professional development. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Pension contribution. 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays. Quarterly company events and team activities. Wellbeing allowance. Retail discount packages. Cycle to Work scheme. Refer a friend and earn £100! If you have a friend who is also searching for a new opportunity in the local area, recommend Optima and if we place them (providing they complete their 3-month probation period), you will receive a £100 retail voucher of your choice! Please note that if you have not been contacted within 5 working days, then unfortunately on this occasion your CV has not been shortlisted. By applying for this vacancy, you accept Optima Recruitment Limited’s Privacy and GDPR Policy which can be found on our website and therefore gives us consent to contact you. Optima Recruitment Limited are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy and are an equal opportunities employer
Senior Contracts Manager employer: Optima Recruitment
As a Field Service Engineer with us, you'll join a dynamic team that values innovation and employee development, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Leicestershire. We offer comprehensive in-house training, a competitive salary with excellent benefits including a company vehicle and generous holiday allowance, ensuring you have the support and resources to thrive in your role. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and encourages you to take on exciting challenges both locally and globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 Optima Recruitment, 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 Contracts Manager at Optima Recruitment.
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 Optima Recruitment
✨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!
