Assistant / Graduate Contracts Manager

Assistant / Graduate Contracts Manager

Peterborough | £28,000–£35,000 + benefits | Permanent

The Role

If you’ve spent time around steel — not just looking at drawings but understanding how it all comes together — this could be a smart next move.

You’ll be right at the heart of projects, supporting from design through to installation, and learning how to bring technical, commercial, and operational strands together. Whether you’ve been a Project Manager or Contracts Manager overseeing full builds for a main contractor — or you’re ready to step up and specialise — this role will give you the structure, support, and exposure to build real momentum in your career.

You’ll be working closely with an experienced team who know the industry inside out, while still having the freedom to take ownership and make things happen.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assisting with bids, tenders, and project documentation for complex steel and secondary metalwork packages

• Attending client, design, and progress meetings, ensuring actions and updates are captured and delivered

• Coordinating subcontractors, site teams, and materials to keep projects moving efficiently and safely

• Tracking budgets, schedules, and variations, raising red flags early and keeping delivery tight

• Reviewing and interpreting steel fabrication drawings and technical specs

• Preparing proposals and client reports that communicate clearly and professionally

• Supporting the wider project and commercial teams when workloads spike — this is a team that pulls together when it counts

What You’ll Need

• Experience in steelwork or metal fabrication projects — ideally from a main contractor or specialist subcontractor

• Solid understanding of project sequencing, structural drawings, and installation processes

• A background in construction, engineering, or project management — degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience

• Confident communication skills, both on site and with clients and design teams

• The ability to juggle detail without losing sight of the bigger picture

• Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project) and confident picking up new digital tools

• A proactive mindset — someone who spots what’s needed and gets it done

What You Might Not Like

• You’ll be hands-on with technical and commercial detail — this isn’t a spectator role

• The pace can shift quickly; priorities change as projects evolve

• There’s admin — because well-run projects rely on accurate paperwork as much as on-site progress

What To Do Next

If you know your way around steelwork and want to deepen your contracts and commercial expertise with a respected name in the industry, this could be the step that bridges where you are to where you want to be.

Click apply or get in touch for a confidential chat about how this role could fit your experience