Contracts Manager
As Contracts Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the execution of commercial interior fit-out projects.
Responsible for managing contracts from inception to completion, to ensure projects adhere to budgetary constraints, timelines, and quality standards.
In this role, strong organisational and communication skills are required to facilitate seamless project delivery while maintaining client satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships in the competitive commercial interior fit-out industry.
The Contracts Manager is responsible for:
- Management, coordination, and the smooth running of the projects assigned to you from internal handover through to project final account, & defects liability period. Design & sub-contractor engagement in order to manage and deliver successful projects, better value, best practices and safe working procedures whilst maintaining good working relations.
- Assist pre-construction team, and Bid Team and assist in the development of work-winning strategies, to include production of accurate tender programmes and construction methodologies.
- Cost management from internal handover through to final account, with the aid of our commercial team and accounts department inclusive of monthly CVRs, cost trackers, applications, variations etc.
Responsibilities:
- Planning and organisation of construction contracts including project logistics which are technically sound, and meet the customer quality standards.
- Lead Project/ Site Management, supporting them with strategic and professional guidance in the delivery of their roles and manage their development, establishing objectives/ targets.
- Identify/develop Key Performance Indicators/Measures and monitor on a regular basis to improve the quality of work we produce and timely performance of the operations, which must include the aim for zero defects and the timely release of retention monies;
- To support the business winning function by interfacing with prospective clients, giving qualitative input into tenders and attending presentations;
- Identify future clients and build relationships to help Ultimate secure future work;
- Ensure that contracts are effectively managed by invoking robust contract administration, good commercial decision making and project management discipline;
- To ensure the establishment and management of an effective supply chain that meets the standards and governance set by the business;
- To spend time on site, ensuring the application of the governance procedures and validating information reported to you by your team;
- Provide progress reports and updates to clients and Senior Management with regard to the work we are delivering for them;
- Ensure safe working practices are maintained at all times, constantly reinforcing safe working and promoting a positive safety culture in everything we do; Ensure each of your contracts are working efficiently, through the use of performance measures achieving the goals set out within the company business plan;
- Ensure that the company policies and procedures are adhered to and that you undertake the daily/weekly discipline of uploading documentation to the job management system;
- Undertake thorough risk analysis and report any project & commercial risks, providing detailed findings and proposed outcomes to senior management. Ensure cost management and commercial position is maintained at all times within the project inclusive of monthly CVRs, valuations, invoicing, variation, and supply chain applications.
- Produce & manage detailed project documentation with use of company software, that must be kept live and ensuring visibility to all parties involved - including programme of works, project log, design schedules, meeting minutes, etc.
Knowledge, training and experience required:
- Excellent organisational and project management skills;
- Proficient in the use and practice of NEC and JCT forms of contract including Design and Build;
- Able to produce detailed resource-allocated project programmes utilising Microsoft Project or similar off-the-shelf packages;
- High levels of excellent customer service and the ability to ensure that these practices are followed throughout the project delivery; Client management;
- High level of commercial understanding and excellent negotiation skills; Experience in a customer-facing role, with a proven track record of putting the client first
- Full clean driving licence;
- NVQ level 6 or equivalent in construction or a construction-related discipline;
Key personal characteristics:
- Presents themselves and the business in a professional manner, going above and beyond for the business and customer. Establishes respectful working relationships with a wide range of people with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels both internally and externally;
- Actively participate in review of common working practices and where appropriate seek better alternatives;
- Ability to influence individuals to obtain the best outcome for the business, utilising the best resources available;
- Takes full ownership for making things happen and is commercially aware; Shares 'best practice' and engages with all Company processes and procedures; Ability to work independently, using your own initiative and problem-solving skills, finding practical ways to overcome barriers;
- Organisation, planning and delegation with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines;
- Always willing to continuously improve and adapt to changing situations with resilience;
- Able to set demanding but achievable objectives for yourself and others.