At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee exciting construction projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Established construction firm with a focus on leisure sector projects and strong client relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, 28 days holiday, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a collaborative culture where your ideas truly matter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community facilities while shaping the future of our projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracts management, excellent communication skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
We are a well-established construction company with an annual turnover of £5 million, specialising in the leisure sector.
Our core expertise lies in delivering high-quality design and build projects for leisure centres, gyms and sports grounds, with contract values ranging from £10k to £2 million.
With a strong portfolio of repeat clients and a reputation for excellence, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships and exceeding expectations.
We work on projects that genuinely improve local leisure and community facilities — the kind of work you can point to and say, \"I helped deliver that.\"
At the heart of our business is a simple belief: the best ideas come from our people.
We foster an open, collaborative environment where every team member is encouraged to share their thoughts, challenge the norm and contribute to how we work and grow.
Staff input isn't just welcomed — it's essential to our continued success and shapes the direction of the company.
The Work
No two weeks look the same here. Our projects span
- Leisure centre refurbishments — full and phased schemes, often in live, occupied buildings
- Swimming pools — tanks, surrounds, plant and wet-side finishes
- Gyms — new fit-outs and upgrades to existing facilities
- Soft play — bespoke installations and family-zone conversions
- Sports hall- Design, refurbishments
- Padel courts – Design installation
- Changing villages — cubicles, wet areas, lockers and accessible provision
- Cafés — front-of-house refits and commercial kitchen works
- Sports halls — floors, linings, lighting, acoustics and multi-use conversions
- Office & admin – Office fit out areas
- Library works- refurbishments
- Buildings Maintenance – Proactive & reactive
That variety is deliberate. It keeps the work interesting and it means the technical and commercial challenges genuinely differ from job to job.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Construction Contracts Manager to oversee projects from inception through to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standards.
The Contracts Manager will have full operational responsibility for projects from pre-construction handover through to completion, with delegated authority over programme, procurement and commercial decisions within agreed limits.
You will typically be managing a mixed workload of around
2–3 larger projects alongside 3-4 smaller refurbishment schemes at any one time, at different stages and in different locations.
Volumes flex with the programme, but that gives a realistic picture of the balance between depth and breadth in the role.
You will be expected to take ownership of your projects, identify potential issues at an early stage and bring practical solutions rather than simply reporting problems.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing the full contract lifecycle, from tender stage through to final account
- Liaising with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams
- Preparing and negotiating contract documentation
- Monitoring project progress, costs and programme schedules
- Identifying and mitigating risks to protect company interests
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and building standards
- Attending site meetings and providing regular progress reports
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships
- Managing multiple projects and competing priorities across different locations
- Taking responsibility for project handover, snagging and close-out
- Producing practical recovery plans where projects are at risk of delay or overspend
- Mentoring and supporting junior members of the team as the business grows
- Location & Working Arrangement
- Office based in South East Essex, with projects covering London to the South West
- A split role between office and site — balancing desk-based contract administration with regular site attendance to monitor progress, attend meetings and maintain client and subcontractor relationships
- Some overnight stays may be required for projects outside the South East, with reasonable travel and accommodation costs covered by the company
- Flexibility with working hours.
We understand that site work doesn't always fit a 9-to-5.
Early starts, occasional evening or weekend works and out-of-hours access in live leisure facilities come with the territory — and in return we are genuinely flexible about how you manage your time.
Provided your projects and clients are properly looked after, you have the freedom to organise your diary, work from home when you're not needed on site or in the office, and take time back when a job has demanded more of you than usual.
We trust our people to manage their own workload.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in contracts management within the construction industry
- Understanding of JCT contracts
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Commercial awareness and strong attention to detail
- A positive, can-do attitude with the ability to work under pressure
- A proactive mindset — someone who brings fresh ideas and genuinely wants to shape how we do things
- Someone who takes ownership, follows issues through and is accountable for delivery
- A practical problem-solver who brings solutions rather than simply reporting problems
- The ability to manage several priorities without losing control of the detail
- Strong IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office, Teams and digital project-management systems
- Comfortable being hands-on and helping improve systems and processes
- A full UK driving licence is essential
Desirable
- Experience of refurbishment projects within live or occupied environments
- Experience in the leisure sector
- Relevant qualifications in construction management or a related discipline
- Previous experience using Simpro, although training can be provided
Package
- Salary: £55,000–£60,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Company vehicle — company car, car allowance or commercial vehicle, to suit the successful candidate and the requirements of the role
- 28 days’ holiday, increasing with length of service
- Company pension
- Company laptop
- Business travel and overnight expenses covered
- Support for relevant training and professional development
- Flexibility around working hours, as described above
Why Join Us?
You'll be joining a supportive team where your voice matters.
We offer a collaborative culture, varied and rewarding projects within a thriving sector, and real opportunities to influence the company's future.
You will work closely with the team and have a genuine opportunity to shape our systems, project delivery and future growth.
This is not a role where you will disappear into a large corporate structure — your work will be visible, your ideas will be heard, and there will be scope for your responsibilities to develop as the business grows.
If you want to be more than just a number and make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Construction Contracts Manager in Chelmsford employer: RJI Group ltd
Join a well-established construction company that values your input and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Quantity Surveyor, you'll engage in diverse projects that enhance local leisure facilities while enjoying benefits like a competitive salary, professional development support, and a flexible working environment. Here, your contributions are not just acknowledged; they are essential to our success and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Contracts Manager in Chelmsford
✨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 RJI Group 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 Construction Contracts Manager at RJI Group ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Contracts Manager in Chelmsford
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 RJI Group 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!
