Contracts Manager - Berkshire 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. 4760563