Senior Contract Manager

Tandem Talent Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tandem Talent Ltd is assisting a growing commercial interiors contractor in Reading to recruit an experienced Senior Contracts Manager. You will lead multiple commercial fit-out projects, oversee delivery teams and manage client relationships to deliver projects on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

This role offers genuine autonomy, strategic oversight and the chance to shape project delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in contracts or project delivery within construction.
• Strong commercial awareness including budgeting and cost control.
• Excellent knowledge of construction methodologies and project delivery.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of multiple commercial fit-out projects.
• Manage programmes, budgets, procurement and commercial performance.
• Build long-term relationships with clients, consultants and stakeholders.
• Provide leadership to Project Managers, Site Managers and delivery teams.
• Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and consultants through all delivery stages.
• Review documentation and scopes to identify risks and opportunities early.
• Work with pre-construction teams for smooth mobilisation and handovers.
• Monitor profitability, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Drive programme management and resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and standards.
• Resolve challenges proactively while maintaining client communications.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and delivery standards.
• Mentor and develop members of the project delivery team.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship mgmt

Budgeting & forecasting

Health & safety

Job description

Are you an experienced Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager looking for the opportunity to play a pivotal role within a growing commercial interiors business?

We're working exclusively with a well-established design & build contractor with an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality workplace and commercial fit‑out projects across London, the Thames Valley and the South East.

Following continued growth and an expanding project portfolio, we're looking to appoint an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to lead multiple projects, oversee delivery teams and ensure exceptional outcomes for both clients and the business.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative organisation where you'll have genuine autonomy, influence and the chance to help shape the future of project delivery.

The Opportunity

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you'll take ownership of several commercial fit‑out projects from pre‑construction through to completion.

You'll be responsible for leading Project Managers and site teams, managing client relationships, driving commercial performance and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

This is a varied role combining operational leadership, commercial awareness and strategic project oversight, making it ideal for someone who enjoys taking ownership and delivering outstanding client experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of multiple commercial fit‑out projects simultaneously.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, procurement and overall commercial performance.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and support to Project Managers, Site Managers and wider delivery teams.
• Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and consultants throughout every stage of delivery.
• Review project documentation, construction information and scopes of work, identifying risks and opportunities early.
• Work closely with pre‑construction teams to ensure smooth mobilisation and successful project handovers.
• Monitor project profitability, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Drive programme management, resource planning and delivery performance.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, company procedures and quality standards.
• Resolve project challenges proactively while maintaining excellent client communication.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, delivery standards and team performance.
• Mentor and develop members of the project delivery team.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines excellent leadership skills with a strong understanding of commercial construction and project delivery.

You'll be confident managing multiple projects, making commercial decisions and building trusted relationships with clients and project teams.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Contracts Manager, Senior Project Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong commercial awareness including budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
• Excellent knowledge of construction methodologies and project delivery.
• Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong client-facing communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A solid understanding of Health & Safety legislation and industry best practice.
• The ability to lead, mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach.

Why Apply?

• Join a respected and growing commercial interiors contractor.
• Deliver exciting workplace fit‑out projects across a diverse client portfolio.
• Work within a collaborative leadership team that values autonomy and accountability.
• Genuine opportunity to influence project delivery and operational excellence.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Clear long-term career progression as the business continues to grow.

Location

The business is based in Reading, making this an excellent opportunity for candidates located across the Reading, Oxford, Maidenhead, Slough, High Wycombe, Bracknell, Basingstoke and West London corridor, with convenient access via the M4 and M40 motorway networks.

Due to the collaborative nature of the role, we're particularly interested in speaking with candidates who are already based within a reasonable commute of Reading.

Apply

If you're an experienced Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager looking for your next challenge within a successful commercial interiors business, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion to learn more.