Trainee Contract Manager

At Ian Williams, we believe leadership is about connection, not control. We foster a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to grow. As a Graduate Trainee Contract Manager, you’ll be part of a team that recognises your potential and helps you build a meaningful career in construction and contract management. 

We’re committed to fairness, inclusivity, and respect, and we make sure your hard work is rewarded. Here’s what you can expect: 

Salary: 

• £26,325 + £6,700 Car Allowance  

• 6 monthly pay reviews based on performance on the programme 

Benefits: 

• Be part of the company profit share scheme (12% of base salary achieved last year) 

• Private mileage scheme and fuel card 

• Let us help you prepare for your future with an 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. 

About the role 

This role is based in the Response Maintenance arm of the business, where you will be working on high volume, low value work. It is predominantly an office-based role with occasional site visits required.   

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: 

• You will be assessed for level 6 towards the end of your Associate phase.  

• 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)  

• 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 – we are unfortunately unable to sponsor visas at this time    

• Hold a valid driving licence  

How do I apply? 

Complete our online application form and upload your CV by Sunday 07th December 2025.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete: 

1. A short online assessment 

2. 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.

About Ian Williams Ltd: 

Discover more about us by reviewing our website, and also through our social media platforms, along with LinkedIn, Facebook, Indeed and Glassdoor. 

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 is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is more than a commitment at Ian Williams—it is the foundation of what we do. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and all other characteristics that make us different.  

We reserve the right to shortlist prior to the closing date. 

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