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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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