At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and ensure high-quality estate services for our communities.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest housing groups dedicated to affordable living.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a rewarding experience.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong customer focus required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're building thriving communities as one of the UK's largest housing groups and a leading developer of affordable housing. We believe everyone is entitled to a good home they can afford, in a place they are proud to live. More than 100,000 people live in our homes. If you want to experience work that's truly rewarding, join us. Because when we achieve together, customers and communities thrive. Work for Orbit. Believe in people.
The purpose of the Contracts and Standards Manager role is to oversee the local contract management of the suite of Estates Services disciplines provided by internal and external contractors, and to ensure an efficient and cost-effective service is delivered to our customers in a designated area, guaranteeing that the estates, customers and staff are kept safe at all times, whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality in estate management services. This role is part of our Property directorate where you'll help us to lead the way investing and maintaining 46,000 homes.
What you'll achieve
- To manage all local estates related contracts, in a defined area ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, cost effective service to our customers and stakeholders.
- Responsible for the management of external contracts, including taking the lead on operational/financial performance and monthly meetings.
- Working in conjunction with the Group Contracts and Standards Manager to manage contract expenditure in relation to service standards, specifications, and site schedule adherence.
- To lead on contract variations by dynamically responding to service demand, to ensure the best outcomes for customers.
- Responsible for ensuring all relevant Health & Safety legislation and RAMs are in place and regularly reviewed. Ensure any changes are implemented, monitored, and recorded. Responsible for ensuring that any noncompliance identified is actioned.
- To be a main area point of contact for Customers, Contractors, Property Managers, Customer Service Centre and other stakeholders in dealing with Estate Services Contract Management enquiries and complaints.
- To support in the consultation and coordination of customers on S20 related issues to any particular scheme, to include liaison with other stakeholders.
- Be part of the Out of Hours Rota.
What you'll bring
Essential skills
- Experience of working in a contract management role in a similar or related environment or field.
- Good working knowledge of the standards and specifications of the Estate Management contracts.
- The ability to hold challenging conversations with contractors and service stakeholders regarding performance.
- To be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to customer focus.
- Ability to travel to meet the requirements of the role.
- Good IT skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Desirable skills
- Contract Management qualification.
- IOSH/NEBOSH general certificate in Health and Safety qualification.
Why Orbit?
Choosing us means being rewarded in every sense. Here's what you can expect to enjoy with us:
- A rewarding experience that works for you. We strive to create an inclusive experience with benefits and wellbeing programmes designed to help you, and your loved ones, to thrive. For a better work life balance, we offer flexible working opportunities for many roles.
- A place to progress. From training programmes to professional qualifications, we provide opportunities to learn and develop at every stage of your career. Whether you're a student, graduate or experienced professional we'll support you to grow.
- For leaders, our tailored development journeys are designed to stretch and strengthen your leadership skills. As well as practical training, we give you access to renowned business schools and experiential programmes for greater breadth and depth of learning.
- A purpose to feel proud of. We're proud to make a difference to people together. We're values-driven with a commercial focus on performance - because the more profit we make, the more we can achieve for people.
What brings us together is a passionate belief in progress and people. Read more about the values and purpose that drive us on our careers website.
How we hire
We aim to make our hiring process simple and fair:
- Online application
- Interview(s)
- Decision and offer
We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts and Standards Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Orbit Group.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Orbit Group? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Orbit Group's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts and Standards Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Contracts and Standards Manager role at Orbit Group, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbit Group
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Orbit Group operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Orbit Group. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Orbit Group.
