Trainee Contract Manager

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction and project management firm in Cardiff is offering a structured training programme to become an Associate Contract Manager. The role involves shadowing experienced managers, participating in training, and supporting project delivery tasks. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and a passion for a career in construction. This position offers a competitive salary, car allowance, and extensive benefits.

Benefits

Car allowance

Company profit share scheme

Private mileage scheme

Enhanced pension contributions

23 days annual leave

Life and medical insurance

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Passionate about a career in construction and project delivery.
• Eager to learn and take initiative.
• Prior experience in construction, housing, or maintenance is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Shadow experienced Contract Managers.
• Participate in training and development activities.
• Assist in preparing contract plans and programmes.
• Support customer satisfaction initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team player

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Commitment to health and safety

Education

Degree in Construction, Engineering, Business, or related field

Job description

About the role

This role is based in one of the Planned Maintenance arms of the business. You will split your time between the office and being out on site. This is a hands‑on, structured programme designed to give you real responsibility from day one. The programme is run across 2 years; on completion you will become an Associate Contract Manager for a further 2 years before appointment as a fully‑fledged Contract Manager. You’ll split your time between learning on live projects and receiving tailored training from experienced Contract and Business Managers. Flexibility to travel to different areas of the business will be required.

What you’ll learn

• Site awareness and product and process knowledge
• Contract delivery, commercial planning and resource management
• Leadership and operational skills through structured training and mentoring
• Contract and labour planning and delivery, resource management, and customer service
• Principles of safe working environments

What you’ll do

• Shadow experienced Contract Managers
• Participate in training and development activities to understand the IW Operational Delivery Process
• Assist in preparing contract plans and programmes
• Support resource organisation (materials, subcontractors)
• Learn how to monitor site productivity and performance
• Begin to understand commercial awareness and cost control principles
• Support customer satisfaction initiatives
• Assist in site reporting and performance reviews

We’re looking for people who are:

• Passionate about a career in construction and project delivery
• Eager to learn and take initiative
• Strong communicators and team players
• Adaptable and resilient in dynamic environments
• Organised and confident in problem‑solving
• Committed to health and safety best practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Degree (or equivalent) in a subject area in Construction, Engineering, Business, or a related field is desirable but not essential
• Prior experience in construction, housing, or maintenance is a bonus—but not essential
• Eligible to work in the UK on a permanent basis

Requirements

• We are unfortunately unable to sponsor visas at this time.
• Hold a valid driving licence.
• How do I apply?

Benefits

• Salary: £26,325; £6,700 Car Allowance; 6 monthly pay reviews based on performance on the programme
• Company profit share scheme (12% of base salary achieved last year)
• Private mileage scheme and fuel card
• Enhanced employer pension contribution of up to 7% OR a savings scheme
• 23 days annual leave (inc. Public Holidays) buy up to 5 days or sell up to 3 days per year
• Life, Medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Enhanced maternity/ paternity pay
• Training and development opportunities
• Exclusive discounts from our preferred supplier
• Access to the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to support your health and wellbeing, including free legal and financial advice.

Complete our online application form and upload your CV by Sunday 7th December 2025. If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete: A short online assessment A video interview (recorded from home) Final‑stage candidates will be invited to meet the team at your local office.

Proposed start date: February 2026

The successful applicant will be required to complete a criminal records check.

As an organisation assessing applicants’ suitability for positions which are included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order using criminal record checks processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), we comply fully with the code of practice and undertake to treat all applicants for positions fairly.

Ian Williams Ltd will use applicants’ details for recruitment purposes only.

Ian Williams is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

For more information, please read our Candidate Privacy Notice located at our website.

We are delighted to have strong relationships with our preferred agencies, therefore we politely request no agencies engage with us in regards to this position.