At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage multiple refurbishment projects, ensuring timely delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join Watkin Jones, a leading developer with a rich history and innovative future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive rewards, professional growth, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a company committed to creating vibrant communities and sustainable development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract and project management within the construction industry is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Watkin Jones, we are excited to announce an opportunity for a multi site Contracts Manager to join our team and work on between 3‑7 projects with a value of between £1‑£5 million. Working as the Contracts Manager, you will play a vital role in driving and delivering on the refurbishment arm of our Group. This is a key position, offering the chance to make a significant impact as we continue to grow and expand in this sector.
The Contracts Manager plays a pivotal role in negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and managing business contracts, ensuring that terms and conditions are beneficial for the company. This role involves working closely with clients, project managers, and legal teams to ensure that construction projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required standards. The Senior Contracts Manager is also responsible for driving business opportunities, managing bids, and overseeing the administration of contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
Role Overview
The role involves driving business opportunities by building strong client relationships, meeting with clients to gather requirements, and securing new projects. You will lead bid management efforts, ensuring successful tenders by overseeing the preparation of bids and managing project programmes. Managing multiple refurbishment projects, typically ranging from £1 m to £20 m, you’ll create detailed plans, budgets, and timelines while monitoring schedules and budgets throughout the process. The role also includes overseeing fire compartmentalisation and façade remediation tasks, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, you will handle contract negotiation and administration, ensure construction projects meet technical and regulatory standards, and collaborate with external partners to ensure smooth project execution. Your responsibilities will also include managing teams, maintaining contract records, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Skills and Qualifications
- Proven experience in contract management and project management, specifically in the construction industry, with a focus on refurbishment projects ranging from £1 m to £20 m (preferably accommodation projects such as hotels).
- Strong client-facing skills, with a proven ability to drive business opportunities and manage client relationships.
- Extensive experience in bid management, including programme and resource planning.
- Strong knowledge of contract administration, including the drafting, negotiation, and management of contracts.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines effectively.
- In‑depth knowledge of construction industry standards, budgeting, and contract law.
- Leadership capabilities, with experience managing and developing a contract management team.
At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:
- Professional Growth: Individual support for your career advancement.
- Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
- Work‑Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
- Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?
Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential‑for‑rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54 000+ homes developed and in‑build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18 500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7 bn of assets under management. Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to grow your career in a fast‑paced, innovative environment. If you’re ready to make a significant impact and advance your career with a market leader, we’d love to hear from you!
Contracts Manager in Chester employer: Watkin Jones PLC
Watkin Jones PLC is an exceptional employer located in Chester, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. As a Design Manager, you will benefit from robust career advancement opportunities, a discretionary annual bonus, and a health cash plan, all while working on high-profile projects that make a real impact in the Build-to-Rent sector. Join a team that values innovation and supports your professional growth in a vibrant city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your past projects and achievements in contract management. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing refurbishment projects and client relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in contract management and project management, especially in refurbishment projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Watkin Jones. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to our needs. Let’s see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Client-Facing Skills:Since this role involves strong client relationships, make sure to highlight your client-facing experience. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed client expectations and driven business opportunities in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Watkin Jones team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones PLC
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
As a Contracts Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in contract management. Brush up on key terms, common pitfalls, and the specifics of contract law relevant to the construction industry. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated contracts in the past.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing multiple refurbishment projects. Highlight specific examples where you’ve created detailed plans, budgets, and timelines. Discuss how you’ve ensured projects were delivered on time and within budget, as this will resonate with their expectations.
✨Build Rapport with Clients
Since strong client-facing skills are crucial for this role, think of ways to illustrate your ability to build relationships. Share stories of how you've gathered client requirements and secured new projects. This will show that you understand the importance of client relationships in driving business opportunities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Capabilities
The role involves managing teams, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've developed a contract management team or led a project team to success. This will highlight your ability to lead and inspire others, which is key for the position.
