At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple contracts, ensuring safe and efficient operations while driving performance.
- Company: Join Tarmac, a leader in construction with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, enhanced holidays, a pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading high-performing teams and driving operational success.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing construction contracts and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Tarmac, we are looking for a Senior Contracts Manager to lead operational performance across our NRP / Circularity function in the UK. This is a key leadership role where you’ll oversee multiple contracts, lead high‑performing teams, and play a vital part in delivering safe, efficient and commercially successful operations.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Take ownership of a portfolio of contracts and ensure they are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with business objectives.
- Lead the delivery of operational strategy, ensuring contracts meet budget, performance targets, and company standards.
- Oversee day‑to‑day contract performance, including programme delivery, forecasting and post‑contract evaluation.
- Drive operational efficiency by minimising cost and maximising value across all contracts.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, supply chain partners and key stakeholders.
- Support business growth by identifying new opportunities, contributing to tenders and strengthening client partnerships.
- Lead, coach and develop Contract Supervisors and Site Foremen to drive high performance and safe working practices.
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across all activities.
- Manage financial performance, risk exposure and contract profitability, resolving issues and disputes where required.
What We Are Looking For
- A confident and driven leadership approach with strong operational and commercial awareness, able to balance performance, safety and customer satisfaction.
- Proven experience managing construction contracts, ideally within paving or asphalt operations.
- Strong leadership capability with the ability to motivate, develop and influence teams.
- A customer‑focused mindset, with a track record of building and maintaining successful partnerships.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive collaboration.
- Commercial acumen and experience in financial management, forecasting and cost control.
- A proactive and continuous improvement mindset, focused on driving efficiency and innovation.
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to manage risk and resolve challenges effectively.
Desirable Qualifications
- HNC/HND or equivalent higher education qualification, or significant industry experience.
- Health & Safety qualification such as NEBOSH or IOSH.
Benefits
- Bonus scheme.
- Enhanced holiday entitlement.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
- Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice.
- Employee communities covering a range of interests and identities.
- Training and development opportunities.
We’re proud to be part of CRH and an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know – we’re here to support you.
Contracts Manager employer: Tarmac
At Tarmac, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes a bonus scheme and enhanced holiday entitlement. Located in the UK, our team thrives in a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is empowered to contribute to our mission of delivering safe and efficient operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Tarmac, 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 Contracts Manager at Tarmac.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager
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 Tarmac
✨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!
