Junior Contracts Manager

Recruitment Helpline; Winnersh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Company pension scheme

Travel expenses

Daily food allowance

Health insurance (AXA)

Growth by Sharing bonus scheme

Collaborative culture

Standard pension contributions

Job summary

Oakley Food Projects is seeking a Commercial & Contracts Manager as part of a development programme. You will start by managing smaller fit-out projects and receive mentoring from the Operations Director, with progression to independent project leadership within 6–12 months.

This role emphasises budgeting, procurement, forecasting and commercial decision-making across UK sites, with travel throughout the country and regular office visits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience within construction, fit-out or related industries.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with clients and site teams.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in developing financial management skills.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day delivery of multiple fit-out projects.
• Develop and manage project programmes, schedules, and critical paths.
• Coordinate subcontractors to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Monitor project budgets, valuations, and gross profit performance.
• Provide regular progress updates to clients and company directors.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety requirements and CDM regulations.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and programme adherence.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Budgeting

Relationship building

Commercial awareness

Job description

Commercial & Contracts Manager (Development Programme)

Location: UK Nationwide (multi-site travel required within the UK as well as weekly office visits)

Reporting to: Operations Director

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum (Depending on experience and development requirements)

About Oakley Food Projects

They are a family-owned turnkey design and build specialist delivering construction, mechanical and electrical solutions to food and beverage manufacturers across the UK.

From concept design through to factory fit-out, they provide fully integrated project delivery for complex industrial production environments.

The company is a growing business that believes in developing people from within. They also have recently successfully recruited a junior Contracts Manager into a development role and are looking to continue building the next generation of project leaders within the business.

About the Role

This role is ideal for someone with project or construction experience who wants to progress into a Commercial & Contracts Manager position.

You'll receive mentoring from the Operations Director, start by managing smaller projects, and gradually take on larger schemes.

Within 6-12 months, you'll be expected to manage projects independently, including budgeting, procurement, forecasting, and commercial decision-making. The company values potential, commercial awareness, and a willingness to learn over extensive experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day delivery of multiple fit-out projects.
• Develop and manage project programmes, schedules, and critical paths.
• Coordinate subcontractors to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Monitor project budgets, valuations, and gross profit performance.
• Provide regular progress updates to clients and company directors.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety requirements and CDM regulations.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and programme adherence.

Experience Required

The company is more interested in potential, attitude and ambition than having every qualification listed below. You may currently be working as a:

• Project Manager / Assistant Project Manager
• Site Manager
• Contracts Supervisor
• Fit-Out Project Manager
• Construction Project Coordinator
• Similar project delivery role

We would expect:

• 2+ years' experience within construction, fit-out or related industries
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with clients and site teams
• Commercial awareness and an interest in developing financial management skills
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK

Attributes We Value

They are looking for individuals who align with our core values:

Pragmatic - You focus on finding solutions rather than problems.

Purposeful - You take ownership and get things done.

Energetic - You bring positivity, initiative and enthusiasm to your work.

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Collaborative, hands-on working culture.
• Growth by Sharing bonus scheme upon completion of 6-month probationary period.
• Expenses for travel.
• Daily food allowance.
• AXA health insurance with optional family bolt-on.
• Standard pension contributions.