Job Description
20 weeks contract role with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Housing Capital Programme Contract Manager will lead the delivery of a range of capital improvement projects across Somerset Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) portfolio.
• The role is responsible for contract management, project delivery, health & safety compliance, stakeholder engagement and ensuring that all capital programmes are delivered to cost, quality and time standards.
• This includes delivering works such as kitchen/bathroom replacements, re-roofing, fire safety improvements, water safety works, insulation upgrades and wider environmental improvement schemes.
• The position sits within the Communities Directorate and reports to the Housing Capital Programme Manager.
• The postholder will manage an annual portfolio of approximately £3m and contribute to the wider £20m annual capital investment works across the council’s housing stock.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Degree (Construction/Property related) or professional membership (e.g. CIOB).
• Deliver a suite of capital programme contracts that provide value for money and meet service standards.
• Project manage large and complex works, often within occupied properties.
• Monitor performance and progress against programme targets.
• Maintain quality standards whilst minimising disruption to residents.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory and corporate obligations.
• Manage external contractors and ensure contractual obligations are fully met.
• Oversee certification, performance reporting and compliance documentation.
• Lead procurement activities in line with council policy.
• Manage budgets for individual contracts ranging from £10k to £3m.
• Monitor expenditure, forecast costs and ensure delivery within approved budgets.
• Lead communication with residents, tenants, elected members and public groups.
• Attend meetings (including some outside normal working hours).
• Manage complaints and service requests effectively and proportionately.
• Ensure all projects comply with health & safety legislation.
• Monitor onsite contractor performance and risk management activities.
• Liaise with the council’s Health & Safety team.
• Maintain accurate programme records and reporting systems.
• Contribute to digital transformation and quality assurance processes.
• Support audits, continuous improvement and the development of tools/guidance.
• Support business planning, policy development and procedural improvements.
• Deputise for the Housing Capital Programme Manager as required.
• Assist with integration of new staff or service changes.
Skills/Experience:
• Strong background in construction, property, or capital programme management.
• Experience managing large, complex housing projects (occupied and unoccupied).
• Knowledge of building regulations, construction methods and building pathology.
• Experience working with multiple contract forms (including amendments).
• Understanding of fire safety, water safety and broader compliance requirements.
• Proven contract and supplier management experience.
• Strong budget management for high-value public sector projects.
• Ability to lead stakeholder engagement, including residents and elected members.
• Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Knowledge of project management best practice (e.g., PRINCE2).
• Experience working within statutory, regulatory and audit‑driven environments.
• Experience delivering net zero, energy efficiency or environmental improvement programmes.
• Familiarity with digital reporting, asset management systems and quality frameworks.
Additional Information:
• Bi-Weekly Payments.
• Employment type: Temporary (20 weeks), 37 hours per week.
• Work pattern: Hybrid – 2 days on site, 3 days remote.
• Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY.
• Rate: Umbrella/Ltd: £330.00 per day.
Requirements
• Strong background in construction, property, or capital programme management. • Experience managing large, complex housing projects (occupied and unoccupied). • Knowledge of building regulations, construction methods and building pathology. • Experience working with multiple contract forms (including amendments). • Understanding of fire safety, water safety and broader compliance requirements. • Proven contract and supplier management experience. • Strong budget management for high-value public sector projects. • Ability to lead stakeholder engagement, including residents and elected members. • Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills. • Knowledge of project management best practice (e.g., PRINCE2). • Experience working within statutory, regulatory and audit‑driven environments. • Experience delivering net zero, energy efficiency or environmental improvement programmes. • Familiarity with digital reporting, asset management systems and quality frameworks.