Contracts Manager
Contracts Manager
Location: Berkshire, Oxfordshire
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 + Car Allowance + Pension + Company bonus
The OpportunityWe are working with a respected contractor with a strong regional footprint and a reputation for delivering technically demanding, fast-paced projects. They're strengthening their leadership team with a Contracts Manager who can take ownership of a live portfolio and shape delivery standards going forward.You'll be at the centre of projects that matter, complex, controlled-environment schemes where precision, programme, and client trust are everything. Typical values sit between £1 million and £7 Million, often on accelerated programmes, and you'll be managing multiple sites concurrently across Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Why This Role?
Impact you can see: You'll inherit live work and an established supply chain, with the remit to raise performance across safety, quality, and programme.
Real autonomy: From pre-construction through handover-own the plan, the team, and the outcomes.
Client-facing visibility: You'll be the go-to person for senior stakeholders, shaping repeat business and long-term relationships.
Exclusive pathway: As Hays' exclusive partner on this appointment, shortlisted candidates will move quickly and have direct access to decision-makers.What You'll DoLead Delivery Across Multiple Sites
Run several schemes in parallel-planning, sequencing and resource allocation to hit tight, fast-track milestones without compromising quality or safety.
Chair site progress meetings; convert design intent into executable, fully integrated construction plans.Drive Technical & Pre-Construction
Shape pre-construction: scope, buildability reviews, risk registers, procurement strategy, and programme logic.
Coordinate design teams to close out RFI/TQ cycles swiftly and maintain design assurance throughout the build.Own the Commercials
Take responsibility for the financials-forecasting, change control, early warnings, and cost-to-complete.
Work confidently with NEC and JCT forms, ensuring contractual compliance and robust records.Be the Client Anchor
Maintain transparent, solution-focused communication with client reps.
Spot opportunities for extensions, variations, and new work streams to secure repeat business.Lead People & Culture
Set expectations, mentor Project Engineers and Site Managers, and build a high-trust environment where teams deliver first time, right first time.What You'll Bring
A track record as a Contracts Manager (or Senior PM ready to step up) delivering design & build projects, ideally within specialist or controlled environments.
Strong working knowledge of NEC/JCT contracts and practical commercial acumen.
Proven ability to manage multiple live sites and fast-track programmes-calm under pressure, decisive, and organised.
A collaborative style: you build relationships with designers, supply chain, and clients that make delivery smoother.
Relevant qualifications (e.g., B.Eng. / Construction Management / Project Management). Professional status (MCIOB/CEng or equivalent) advantageous.
Full UK driving licence.Package & Progression
£80,000-£90,000 base salary, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.
A supportive leadership team with clear progression routes, deliver, and you'll be trusted with bigger, more complex portfolios.
Work across a range of £1m-£6m schemes with national-profile end users.
How to ApplyIf you're interested in this opportunity, please apply via the link or reach out to James Mitchell at the Southampton Hays office for a confidential discussion.
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