Contracts Manager

Hays Construction and Property

Position: Contracts Manager

Salary: £70,000-£75,000 + car allowance + Pension + Health care + Bonus
Location: Berkshire & Oxford

We are currently working with a leading specialist contractor delivering highly controlled environments and advanced projects for a range of high-profile clients. From life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and medical facilities, this client specialises in refurbishments and new builds with a capability of full turnkey solutions.

About the Role:

This outstanding opportunity for an experienced Project Manager / Contracts Manager to join a growing, forward-thinking contractor with a proven track record of delivering complex projects. This is a critical leadership position, acting as a departmental lead with significant influence over the full construction lifecycle, from pre-construction planning through to project delivery and team management.

You will take ownership of multiple high-value refurbishment and new build projects across the commercial, healthcare, and life sciences sectors, typically ranging from £2 million to £5 million. The successful candidate will be responsible for contractual compliance, commercial performance, risk management, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest standards of quality.This role offers the chance to work in technically demanding environments, where precision and attention to detail are essential, and to play a key part in shaping solutions for high-profile clients.

Key Responsibilities:

Contract Management: Oversee all contractual obligations, ensuring compliance with NEC/JCT forms and regulatory requirements.
Project Oversight: Manage multiple projects from pre-construction through to completion, including design coordination and site delivery.
Commercial Performance: Monitor budgets, forecasts, and risk registers; ensure profitability and cost control.
Client Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, fostering long-term relationships and supporting business development.
Health & Safety Leadership: Implement and monitor robust safety systems in line with company and statutory standards.
Team Leadership: Mentor project managers and site teams, ensuring effective resource allocation and performance.
Pre-Construction Duties: Participate in tender reviews, develop programmes and methodologies, and contribute to quality submissions.
Technical Coordination: Work closely with design teams to deliver integrated solutions for controlled environments.
Reporting: Produce progress reports, chair meetings, and maintain accurate project documentation.Ideal Candidate:

10+ years UK construction experience contracting or subcontracting – New build or refurbishment
Strong knowledge of contract law, NEC/JCT contracts, and risk management.
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Commercially astute with proven ability to manage budgets and contractual obligations.
Degree in Construction Management or related field; MCIOB preferred but not essential
Proficient in MS Project and project programmingSalary & Benefits:

Salary: £70,000 – £75,000 (DOE)
Annual performance bonus
Car allowance
Company pension
Private healthcareIf you're interested in learning more, please send your CV or contact the Hays Southampton office for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.

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