A day in the life of a Contracts Manager
In this article, UKR Group’s Contracts Manager, Oisin Kavanagh, details what it takes to become a Contracts Manager, and what a day in the life of a contracts manager looks like.
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What is the starting salary range for this role?
For a Contracts Manager in a UK recruitment agency, expect a starting salary around £30,000 with no experience. This can rise to £36,757 with 1-4 years under your belt. Keep in mind factors like location, agency size, and your qualifications can affect the offer. But remember, those first few years are all about getting the experience you need, to springboard yourself into something better further down the line, so don’t get too hung up on specific salaries on that first role.
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How do you enter this field?
Contract Managers are like the architects of deals in a company. They enjoy building relationships, negotiating terms, and influencing outcomes. They’re curious, goal-oriented, and persistent, always striving to win.
If you have these qualities then don’t worry too much about your qualifications, as long as you’re willing to convince an interviewer to give you a chance, you’ll be just fine!
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What does a typical day in the office look like? (tasks, responsibilities etc)
Every morning, I’m on-site by 7:15 AM to make sure new team members arrive punctually for their induction. During the day, I typically visit about five sites, where I connect with our established clients. I take this opportunity to understand their current needs, discuss any potential future requirements, and foster strong relationships. Once I’ve completed my site visits, I dedicate time to planning the schedule for the following day.
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What is the most challenging aspect of the job?
The Contracts Manager role comes with various challenges, but securing new projects takes precedence.
Another challenging aspect for a contracts manager is often the delicate balance between meeting the needs of both clients and candidates. Striking the right balance between fulfilling client requirements, attracting top talent, and upholding legal standards requires a combination of strong communication skills, negotiation abilities, and attention to detail.
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What is the most rewarding aspect of the job?
Meeting targets is always exhilarating, and seeing the fruits of our labour reflected in our bank accounts is a rewarding experience. Building enduring relationships with clients and team members is key, often evolving into friendships.
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What skills are the most important to perform well in this kind of role?
This role is perfect for someone who tackles challenges head-on and never gives up. You’ll achieve success through hard work, learning from mistakes, and dedication. The role also requires strong communication and honesty to build trust. Being social and adaptable will be helpful as you’ll be working with different people and situations.
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What advice would you give to someone looking to apply for a similar role?
In contract management, being genuine is crucial. Use your unique personality to connect with clients and colleagues, making collaboration smooth. Understand the job well, handling contracts while impressing clients with your charm. Communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail are your strengths. Be ready to work hard and be available whenever needed. Keep up with industry trends and research the company thoroughly. Lead with your quirks and authenticity. With preparation and personality, you’ll successfully secure a contracts manager position!