Construction Contracts Manager
What is the work like?
Construction contracts managers help to secure building and refurbishment contracts, and to manage projects through to completion, on time and on budget. Construction contracts could include commercial office developments, public-sector housing regeneration or road and rail engineering works.
As a contracts manager, you may be responsible for a single large contract or a number of smaller ones. You would also be the main point of contact for clients, site managers and building contractors throughout the life of a project.
Your main responsibilities would include:
- meeting with clients to get a full picture of their needs
- putting together estimates, including budgets and timescales
- preparing and presenting documents for tenders
- contribute to work planning, briefing project teams, contractors and suppliers on requirements
- agreeing any additional work to be done within set timescales
- gathering all information together for invoicing at the end of the project
- supplying information to resolve disputes should they arise
- identifying areas for improvement in existing contracting processes.
You would work closely with other construction professionals including construction managers, quantity surveyors and planning engineers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will normally be expected to have proven experience of working with contracts or a background in engineering or construction management. Substantial experience at site management level or quantity surveying may also be acceptable. If you have a lot of project management experience from other industries, you may be able to use this to move into the construction sector.
An alternative is to start as a contracts assistant or contracts administrator with a construction company and work your way up after gaining experience in the industry.
You can take college courses, such as a BTEC HNC/HND or degree, that might help you to start with a company on a training programme as a contracts assistant or construction manager. You need to choose a course that contains units covering contracts and contract law. Relevant course subjects include:
- building studies and building engineering
- surveying and civil engineering
- construction engineering management
- building management.
To search for colleges and universities offering these courses, visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Please check with the individual colleges and universities for their entry requirements.
You are likely to need a driving licence in this job, so that you can visit sites and clients throughout the UK.
What further training and development can I do?
If you join a company as a trainee, you will start on your employer's own training programme. These are designed to give you experience of all areas of the business, for example estimating, planning and buying. Once you have built up your knowledge and experience, you would move into contracts management and take on more responsibility.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has a range of professional training programmes available, which you can follow to develop your career, including a Graduate Diploma Programme. They also support work-based NVQ qualifications, such as:
- Construction Site Supervision Level 3
- Project Control at levels 3 and 4
- Construction Contracting Operations at levels 3 and 4
- Construction Project Management Level 5.
The CIOB also has information on a range of training, covering all aspects of construction, including project management, contracts, construction law and regulations.
Where can I go for more information?
EnglemereKings Ride
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7TB
Tel: 01344 630700
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Typical salaries range from £25,000 to £40,000 a year.
- Senior contracts managers can earn between £50,000 and £65,000 a year.
This job often comes with a car allowance and other additional benefits.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Your job would be mainly office based but you would make regular site and client visits. Some companies offer opportunities for travel throughout the UK and overseas, depending on the project.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a knowledge of the contracting process, such as payment terms, warranties and planning approvals
- an understanding of technical building requirements
- commercial awareness
- good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
- the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
- strong numerical skills and IT skills
- the ability to work on your own and as part of a team
- the ability to work to deadlines
- good problem-solving skills
- excellent communication, presentation and negotiating skills
- understanding of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
As well as companies in the building industry, you can also find work with central and local government departments, utility companies and larger organisations like major retailers.
As an experienced contracts manager, you could progress into general construction management, consultancy or become a company director. There are also opportunities in support services, such as health and safety inspection. You may be able to use your knowledge of the contracting process to move into other sectors and work in a similar role.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
Careerstructure
ConstructionJobsNet
JustConstruction
Construction Manager
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