At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-end residential projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and budget control.
- Company: Reputable contractor known for luxury residential projects in the South East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and autonomy in project management.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a mark on prestigious projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management or related field, with 7+ years of experience.
Contracts Manager
Location: Haslemere | Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent | Salary: £55,000 to £65,000 per annum, DOE
About the Company Our client is a medium-sized main contractor specialising in the delivery of high-end private residential projects across the South East.
Its portfolio includes luxury new-build properties, full refurbishments, extensions and bespoke leisure complexes.
With 20 years of experience and a strong reputation for quality, attention to detail and premium service, the business delivers exceptional homes for discerning private clients.
Role Overview The Contracts Manager will take full ownership of project delivery and commercial performance across a portfolio of high-end residential projects, typically valued between £2 million and £10 million+.
Working alongside the Site Manager on each project, you will drive programme, quality and cost control from mobilisation through to completion.
The role includes full commercial ownership of projects, with responsibility for valuations, cost reporting and budget control alongside the delivery function.
Key Responsibilities Manage projects from mobilisation to completion, typically valued from £2 million to £10 million+.
Administer JCT Design & Build and Intermediate contracts, including notices, instructions and change control.
Develop and maintain project programmes, manage critical path activities and drive site progress.
Lead client, design team and stakeholder meetings.
Manage subcontractor procurement and appointments.
Oversee quality, health and safety, compliance and project documentation.
Manage RFIs, CVIs, site instructions, variations and change orders.
Take ownership of project commercial performance alongside the Quantity Surveying team.
Prepare and agree monthly valuations and interim payment applications.
Monitor budgets, cost reports and cash flow to protect margin.
Support final accounts and subcontractor account close-out.
Provide regular commercial and project performance reports to Directors.
Contribute to tender reviews, programmes, procurement strategy, cost planning and value engineering where required.
Requirements Degree-qualified in Construction Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, or equivalent experience, is desirable.
CIOB or RICS membership, or currently working towards membership, is desirable.
Minimum of seven years’ experience as a Project Manager or Contracts Manager, ideally within high-end residential construction.
Proven track record of delivering projects valued between £2 million and £10 million+, including JCT contract administration.
Strong commercial acumen, with hands-on experience of valuations, cost reporting and budget control.
Confident and capable leadership skills, with excellent stakeholder management abilities across clients, design teams and subcontractors.
Must be locally based and commutable to the company’s South East office, ideally with experience working across the surrounding region.
Full UK driving licence.
What’s on Offer Salary of £55,000 to £65,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
Opportunity to lead prestigious, high-end residential projects across the South East.
Genuine commercial ownership and autonomy across assigned projects.
Career progression within a growing, close-knit main contractor.
Office-based working in the South East, with site-based working as required.#INDPERM
Contract Manager in Fernhurst employer: Optima Site Solutions Ltd
Voneus is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and uncapped commission structure that allows Field Sales Representatives to thrive financially while enjoying the benefits of a company car and comprehensive training. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, team members are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers in a rapidly expanding sector. Located in Cumbria, this role provides the unique opportunity to represent a forward-thinking brand while engaging with the local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Manager in Fernhurst
✨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 Site Solutions 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 Contract Manager at Optima Site Solutions Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Manager in Fernhurst
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 Site Solutions 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!
