Contracts Manager

Contracts managers roles can be quite varied, but essentially, they focus on facilitating, negotiating, developing and evaluating contracts for commercial construction services.

Practice Area Contracts (Construction) Manager
Introduction

Construction contracts managers look at improving the contract process, ensuring value for money and legal and industry compliance.

They may act as the main point of contact for clients, site and project managers, meeting with clients, developing proposals agreeing budgets and timescales and problem solving.
What skills are required?
  • Excellent communication and relationship building skills ls
  • Data and Information management skills
  • Ability to interpret perceptual, numerical and verbal data
  • Time and workload management
  • Planning and organisation
  • Project management
  • Commercial awareness
What qualifications are required? Requirements vary. A relevant degree may be required but key experiences could include:

  • Site management experience
  • A comprehensive understanding of health and safety legislation and standards
  • IT skills and project management software
  • Knowledge of the relevant construction forms of contracts and procedures
  • Specialist qualifications such as SMSTS
What is it like in practice?

Roles can be busy and demanding, working with multiple stake holders and using a wide range of information and skills. Roles can include more hands-on technical work such as surveying, scoping and diagnosis of issues.

Due to the nature of the role, it is project based. Contracts managers may be self-employed, moving from one contract to another. However, many people work for one employer.  Contracts management is a busy, demanding role so you will need the ability to work under pressure.
Work Environment Your time will be spent mainly in the office with some time on site and in meetings.
Employment opportunities

Contracts managers may have a site or construction management background, or train directly as a contracts manager. Trainee and entry level contract management positions are available, alongside roles for more experienced workers. Employers are often construction companies, but client-side jobs exist too.

International opportunities are available, usually for more experienced workers.
More information Visit CIOB (opens new window)
Relevant UCEM programmes

MSc Quantity Surveying

BSc (Hons) Construction Management

MSc Construction Management

You might like this role if you enjoy:

  • Using Negotiation and Influencing skills
  • Analyse/Interpret numerical and verbal information and data

See more skills used by contract managers:

  • Relationship building
  • Researching and explaining data

References:

 

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