Contracts Manager

Newbury, Berkshire
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Contracts Manager Location: Berkshire, Oxfordshire Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 + Car Allowance + Pension + Company bonus

The Opportunity

We 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

• £75,000-£85,000 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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