Junior Contracts Manager

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Company pension scheme

Collaborative, hands-on culture

Growth by Sharing bonus scheme

Travel expenses

Daily food allowance

AXA health insurance

Standard pension contributions

Job summary

Oakley Food Projects seeks a Commercial & Contracts Manager (Development Programme) to join their family-owned turnkey design and build specialist team. The role offers mentoring by the Operations Director, progression to independent project management, and exposure to budgeting, procurement and forecasting on UK-wide fit-out projects.

You will support delivery across multi-site sites, develop programmes, manage subcontractors, and maintain commercial controls while growing with the business.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience within construction, fit-out or related industries.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.
• Familiarity with construction or engineering contracts.

Responsibilities

• Manage 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 budgets, valuations and gross profit performance.
• Provide regular progress updates to clients and directors.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety requirements and CDM regulations.
• Conduct site visits to monitor progress and quality.

Skills

Contract administration

Commercial awareness

Project coordination

Stakeholder communication

Construction contracts

Job description

Based in Wokingham, this full-time, permanent Junior Contracts Manager role sits within a structured development programme, reporting to the Operations Director. The successful candidate supports the delivery of turnkey design and build projects for food and beverage manufacturers across the UK, combining construction, mechanical and electrical expertise. Weekly office attendance and nationwide multi-site travel are required. Key skills include contract administration, commercial awareness, project coordination, stakeholder communication and familiarity with construction or engineering contracts. Starting salary is £50,000 to £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience and development needs.

The employer is a family-owned specialist committed to training and promoting from within, making this a genuine route into contracts management.

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

• 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
• 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

• 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.