Full job descriptionReading Borough Council is seeking an experienced and driven Contract Manager to play a key leadership role within our Housing Repairs & Maintenance Service.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled operational manager with a strong background in housing repairs, maintenance, construction, or property services to lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering quality services to residents. You will oversee the management of operational teams, contractors, budgets, compliance, and service performance, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused delivery.
As a Contract Manager, you will manage one of the following service areas:
*Reactive Repairs
*Planned & Programmed Maintenance (PPM)
*Empty Homes (Voids) Repairs & Refurbishment
*External Contracts
You’ll be responsible for leading supervisors, trade operatives, apprentices, administrative teams and contractors while ensuring services meet performance targets, statutory obligations and customer expectations.
Contract: Initially for 3 months
Location: Reading, RG2
Working Arrangements: You must be able to be at the depot 4 days per week.
Payrate: £26.92 p/h PAYE
Key Responsibilities*Lead and manage operational repairs and maintenance teams to deliver high-quality housing services.
*Manage contractors and subcontractors, ensuring quality, value for money and compliance.
*Monitor and improve service performance through KPI analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
*Take full budget responsibility, including financial forecasting and expenditure monitoring.
*Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including Health & Safety, CDM Regulations and housing maintenance standards.
*Drive productivity, performance management and workforce development across your teams.
*Investigate and respond to complaints, member enquiries, FOIs and escalated service issues.
*Prepare reports and briefing papers for senior managers, councillors and elected members.
*Support the wider leadership team and participate in the out-of-hours management rota.
About YouWe are looking for an experienced manager with substantial knowledge of housing repairs, maintenance operations or construction services who can demonstrate strong leadership and commercial awareness.
You will have:
*Significant experience managing a trade workforce within housing, construction or property maintenance environments.
*Proven experience managing contractors and service delivery contracts.
*Strong budget management and financial control experience.
*A track record of improving performance through KPI management and operational excellence.
*Experience leading, motivating and performance managing large teams.
*Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
*Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational and financial data.
*Knowledge of housing repairs legislation, health & safety regulations and compliance requirements.
*The ability to manage complex operational challenges while maintaining excellent customer service standards.
Essential QualificationsYou must have one of the following:
*A recognised trade apprenticeship and City & Guilds qualification; or
*A construction-related qualification at HNC level or above; or
*Significant relevant experience with a willingness to work towards a professional qualification.
What We Offer*Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
*Generous annual leave entitlement
*Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
*Flexible working arrangements where service needs allow
*Opportunity to lead high-profile housing maintenance services that make a real difference to residents
Additional Requirements*Full UK driving licence.
*Access to a vehicle for business use.
*Participation in the out-of-hours management rota.
*Flexibility to attend evening meetings and respond to service requirements.
Why Join Reading Borough Council?At Reading Borough Council, our TEAM Reading values underpin everything we do. We are committed to delivering excellent services for residents through collaboration, innovation, ambition and continuous improvement.
If you are an experienced repairs, maintenance or contracts professional looking for a leadership role where you can drive service excellence and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of housing repairs and maintenance services in Reading.