Contract Manager

Institution of Fire Engineers (the); Gateshead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fire engineering firm in Gateshead seeks a Contract Manager to oversee projects, ensure quality and compliance, and build client relationships. The role involves managing project delivery from tender stages through to completion, requiring strong leadership and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a valid CSCS professional card, attention to detail, and self-motivation. Competitive compensation offered, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and ability to maintain professional standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and initiative to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow company procedures and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all project aspects from tender to completion.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations.
• Lead project meetings and monitor progress against targets.
• Develop client relationships and manage stakeholder communications.

Skills

Client Focused

Detail-oriented

Collaborative

Flexible

Ability to work under pressure

IT Literate: Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Programming process experience

Asta Powerproject software experience

Education

Valid CSCS Manager's or professional card

Job description

Overview

As Contract Manager for Meldrum Fire Engineering, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of multiple projects. This will encompass works during the tender stage through to project completion. Ensuring site performance and progress meet the contractual requirements, whilst ensuring projects are set up correctly in line with our QEM system, delivered safely, on time and to budget.

In this role you will be responsible to the Operations Director. This role will be based in Gateshead with jobs across the UK (predominantly North East).

Culture and Values

At Meldrum, we place real importance on recruiting the right person for the right role. Our Core Values govern the culture and behaviours we expect all of our employees to personify.

Integrity

Being honest and having strong consistent moral and ethical standards combined with mutually beneficial colleague relationships in order to drive positive behaviour and culture. Respect and trusting in each other’s ability to do our job well, being accountable for our own actions and therefore being part of a successful team. Placing a high importance on the value of the positive contribution each of us makes to the Organisation and the strength of commitment to do so.

Quality

Providing a level of service in line with our Quality, Environment Management Safety System (QEMS) and Best Practice. New methods of working which drives efficient behaviours and Continuous Improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the estimating team to develop methodologies, logistics arrangements and programmes of work to deliver within client expectations be they internal (inter OpCo) or external clients.
• Prepare target and short-term programmes for onsite delivery.
• Develop and deliver monthly update presentation for live projects to the Operations Director.
• Provide effective stakeholder management and act as a client liaison developing and enhance key client relationships.
• Make sure sites are set up effectively & efficiently maintained company branding in line with the minimum standards requirements.
• Set up and run contract progress review meetings on a weekly basis and monitor progress against target programme(s), reporting any issues or concerns to the Operations Director.
• Keep track of project margins / costs in line with set objectives.
• Evaluate projects to seek out potential opportunities
• Track and realise company objectives and KPI’s
• Deliver a high-quality service to specification, time and cost targets.
• Be responsible for all Health and Safety compliance and initiatives on all of your projects.
• Lead a team of employees and subcontractors effectively to ensure the client’s and company’s objectives are exceeded.
• Communicate effectively internally and externally to inform and resolve any issues that may occur and provide timely accurate feedback
• Oversee and maintain adequate labour resources on-site, within tender allowances, to achieve programme requirements.
• Liaise with the Company Buyer and P&T Department to ensure material and plant deliveries are programmed in line with the procurement schedule.
• Ensure all verbal site instructions are recorded as per company procedure.
• Attend management meetings to discuss results of monthly cost/value comparisons and reconciliations.
• Oversee preparation and closeout of snagging and defects.
• The main duties listed above are not intended to be exhaustive and may be revised in accordance with the requirements of the department and the company.

You will contribute to the overall running and continuous improvement of the business, along with the development of the Fire Engineering OpCo, by ensuring that the highest professional standards are maintained to continually improve the service given to Clients. This includes:

• Identifying problems and offering solutions.
• Ensuring the Company’s QEMS procedures are followed as they relate to Construction, and offering suggestions as to their development and improvement
• Encouraging and developing teamwork both within your team and between teams, internally and externally.
• Have an excellent understanding and are compliant with the processes outlined in IP06

Actively participating in training and continuous improvement activities for the betterment of skills and safe working practices.

General requirements

You will be expected to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality at all times regarding the company and its Clients. You must also work efficiently and safely at all times in accordance with the appropriate training, the Company Safety Policy and HSE guidelines.

Your ability to relate well with Clients and Staff and to maintain high professional standards is very important, alongside your ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner both in writing and verbally. In doing so you must also ensure an appropriate standard of dress and personal appearance is maintained at all times.

You should demonstrate and use initiative to carry out work with minimal supervision, including the skills to prioritise and work to strict deadlines whilst being thorough and paying close attention to detail. This will be reinforced by demonstrating an enthusiastic, flexible and conscientious approach to work.

Once inducted, you should demonstrate a clear understanding of the Company's structure, values and procedures, including the QEMS. In relation to this, you must advise your line manager immediately of any visits to site by external agencies such as the Health & Safety Executive, Environmental Health Officers etc.

• Valid CSCS Manager's or professional card

Experience/ Skills

• Client Focused
• To be thorough and pay attention to detail
• The ability to work well with others
• To be flexible and responsive to change
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Knowledge of production processes
• IT Literate: Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Programming process experience
• Asta Powerproject software experience

Safety Skill Sets

• Ability to develop construction information