At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-risk contracts for building safety and external wall systems across a large residential portfolio.
- Company: Southwark Council, committed to ensuring building safety and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily pay, supportive management, and a stable working environment.
- Other info: Great transport links and a well-resourced team await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in building safety while managing impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management within construction and knowledge of fire safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 32302 - 45000 £ per year.
Southwark Council is seeking an experienced Special Projects Contract Manager to lead the delivery and management of high-risk, safety-critical contracts relating to external wall systems (EWS) across a large residential portfolio. Based at 160 Tooley Street, SE1, this is a contract role paying £323.02–£450.00 per day, anticipated to run for approximately one year from 13 July 2026.
Responsibilities
- You will oversee exploratory and investigative works — including full FRAEWs, spandrel panel investigations, render and facade assessments, and Fire Risk Assessments — ensuring building safety compliance, effective risk mitigation, and robust remediation strategies.
- Key responsibilities span end-to-end procurement (Gateway 1 and 2 reports, specification development, tendering, contract award and mobilisation), commercial and financial oversight, contractor performance management against KPIs, and legal recovery work in partnership with legal teams pursuing claims against contractors and developers responsible for defective EWS.
- You will also lead on applications to the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) and other funding streams, coordinate technical documentation for funding bids, and engage with residents, consultants, senior leadership, and elected members.
Qualifications
- Ideal candidates will bring significant contract management experience within construction, housing, or building safety;
- A strong understanding of external wall systems and fire safety regulations including PAS 9980;
- Proven experience managing complex, high-risk programmes at scale;
- Knowledge of remediation funding schemes including the Building Safety Fund.
Benefits
- Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
- Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
- A desirable location with great transport links
- A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment
To be considered, please apply with an up-to-date CV detailing your relevant experience.
Special Projects Contract Manager – Building Safety & External Wall Systems – #OR106090 in London employer: Semester.co.uk
Southwark Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and stable working environment for the Special Projects Contract Manager role. With competitive pay rates and a management team that values approachability and experience, employees can thrive in a desirable location with excellent transport links while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance building safety and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Projects Contract Manager – Building Safety & External Wall Systems – #OR106090 in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Semester.co.uk.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Semester.co.uk appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Projects Contract Manager – Building Safety & External Wall Systems – #OR106090 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Semester.co.uk know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Semester.co.uk is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Semester.co.uk
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.