People in contract manager jobs are the most vital workers within the construction industry. Working alongside quantity surveyors, contract managers help win building contracts for companies and try to ensure their employers work under the most profitable conditions.
These projects can range from commercial and housing builds to transportation links. It all depends on the nature of their employer and what sort of work they provide.
Those who are particularly good at maths and IT and have natural qualities like a keen eye for detail are likely to do well as contract managers.
However, what is the job all about?
let us take a closer look at what this role offers.
contracts manager work roles.
As a contracts manager, candidates will be responsible for securing contracts on behalf of employers. This is usually for building projects, where large companies or councils want projects completed and are seeking the best possible value for money.
Managers may be bidding for one big contract or a number of smaller ones. They are often seen as the point of contact for the bid providers, site managers, and building contractors throughout the project, so must have a pleasant demeanour about them.
Besides securing the project(s), contract managers must also be prepared to meet with clients following the bid in order to have the best possible understanding of what it is they want to accomplish.
This will involve piecing together plans, estimates, and timescales to present to the client and being prepared to amend them during the meeting.
Documents for financial backers may also be necessary.
They will also be required to contribute to the planning of the workforce alongside the operations manager. Sometimes, they will be called on to brief departments or teams, individual contractors, or suppliers when it comes to placing orders.
Any extra work must be done within set timescales and all information pertaining to invoicing must be generated and supplied at the end of the project.
They will also sometimes become information providers when it comes to conflict resolution alongside site managers and help identify areas where improvements can be made to the existing processes.
Working alongside other construction professionals, they may also have ad hoc duties given to them, like overseeing health and safety and medical personnel if they are particularly skilled and qualified in health and first aid.
conditions.
Contract managers will generally work up to 40 hours a week during friendly office hours. They will usually be supplied with a mobile office but must make the regular site and client visits and inspections. This could involve travelling to clients away from the site, so having private access to a vehicle and a full driver's license is usually considered essential.
Some employers will choose to provide contract managers with work vehicles to use during the day-to-day running of the project. Still, those who come with their car will usually be given preference and a small allowance for fuel and repairs.
income.
Contract managers often begin their roles with a salary of around $100,000. Depending on experience and the time within the part, a more senior management position can yield up to $179,000 per year.
Like other positions, salary expectations can fluctuate, and it is generally accepted that the highest starting and ending points will be found in more centralised urban areas.
entry requirements.
It is possible to gain access to the role by starting as a contracts assistant before moving into a management position. Still, candidates typically need experience working directly with contracts and a background in civil engineering. A degree in Construction Project Management can also be seen as a necessity.
personal qualities.
Contract managers must have good levels of commercial awareness, organisational skills, and the ability to multitask across several projects. Similarly, they must be personable people who can maintain good working relationships across all levels of personnel.
Maths and IT skills are critical to the role, so candidates must be well-equipped with minimum HSC qualifications in both subjects.
Similarly, they may choose subject-specific short courses like the Microsoft Office Specialist qualification to ensure an advanced understanding of the Microsoft Office software suite.
