Paul Hepples , Carlisle, United Kingdom

I'm a Senior Manager with a pure career history in construction seeking a new opportunity after relocation.
From my initial start as a City & Guilds Trained Apprentice Joiner, to my current role in Senior Management, I am able to demonstrate excellent Project Management and Planning skills. I have organised and scheduled events, activities and resources, whilst monitoring these against set deadlines. This guaranteed that the Projects were completed on time and to customer satisfaction and budget.
Co-ordinated multiple system implementations and teams Europe wide. Effectively planned Projects and negotiated between teams in each country, which ensured that all worked in harmony and strict deadlines were met.

Attributes
To provide strategic and tactical Leadership for the professional delivery of sustainable profit and growth.
Directing all Commercial and Contractual aspects of the Business including Business Development, Contract Management and Client relations. Covering individual projects and the company's development portfolio.
Providing expertise to support the operations function in the development of strategic plans, which maximize opportunity and minimize risks and the potential for disputes.
Act as a member of the Senior Management team in ensuring: -
➢ Delivery of stated profit targets and maintenance of margins
➢ Establishment of robust and consistent change control processes within each project or areas which ensure that contract variations and pricing adjustments are adequately identified and agreed with clients.
➢ Identification, evaluation and active management of appropriate risk and opportunity allowances.
➢ Delivery of consistent value and cost reporting to support effective project review and control.
➢ Implementation of Continuous Improvement Strategies for business processes and operational efficiency.
➢ Maintaining effective cost control systems visible to the client
➢ Professional focus, identity and leadership within the commercial function consistent with Group wide standards and objectives
➢ Support to the Managing Director in the development of consistent Group-wide Commercial, Resource, Dispute Management and Human Capital Development strategies

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
1. Work Winning
• Provide guidance and direction to the work winning team for identifying and quantifying risks and opportunities in bids and tenders.
• Support or lead key negotiations with prospective customers, partners, contractors and sub-contractors.

2. Strategic Planning and Implementation
• With the MD and management team develop strategies consistent with business objectives and timetables
• Ensure commercial focus is maintained in established and developing markets.
• Develop a Framework for compliance with Group standards and corporate governance requirements
• Issue clear budgetary guidelines linked to project budget planning

3. Contract Management
Develop and implement effective review practices for monitoring commercial activity within projects to ensure
• Adherence to Cash management targets.
• Risk Management is thorough and conclusive.
• Compliance with internal audit procedures.
• Contractual Imperatives (duties, obligations, notices, standards etc) are observed and discharged to protect the companies' position and entitlements. Ensuring compliance with insurance and legal requirements.
• Continuous review of contract performance against financial and delivery/completion targets.
• Management of client relationships and resolution of contractual claims and disputes. Ensure co-operative liaison with internal partners (Group Risk, Legal, Pre-contract, Logistics, Insurance) to assist with resolution.
• Ensures site construction costs do not exceed tender/varied allowance.

4. Contract Planning and Management Reporting
• Manage the production of Project Procurement Strategy Documentation.
• Manage the production of Project Value Enhancements Plans.
• Deliver effective management information on commercial activity across the business.
• Translate plans and requirements into realistic budgets and targets for sub-teams.
• Promote innovative ways to add value and reduce costs within the team.
• Report contract costs/cash flow to management team.

5. Health & Safety Management
Ensure a safe working environment for all Company employees, subcontractors, client employees, visitors and third parties is maintained at all times
• Monitor and enforce compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Provide expert guidance to assist designers ensure safe constructability of sections in line with CDM requirements.
• Assist in identifying Health & Safety training needs for personnel.
• Oversee the Contracts Managers in ensuring that Risk Assessments are completed and Safe Operating Procedures drafted at the beginning of each Contract or Process Change, and at least annually thereafter to cover: -
Safe working systems, Avoidance of Accidents and pollution, materials handling, and good environmental management.

6. Employee Development
• To ensure the effective performance management and development of direct reports.
• Identify and evaluate talent and capabilities amongst members of the contracts department.
• Create a structured environment in which individuals can perform and develop effectively.
• Provide coaching and support to develop potential and manage performance improvement.
• Ensure all persons on sites have a full induction and that they have the appropriate training for their job functions.

7. Waste Management
• Develop and implement effective waste management practices including waste reduction programmes, accountability and awareness and safe waste disposal procedures.

Knowledge & Experience:
• Structural, Mechanical and Construction Engineering experience.
• 30 Years' experience working with small to large sized construction projects including 5 years with supervisory responsibility.
• Project Management experience for construction projects with a manpower requirement of 1-100+ engineers and labourers involving planning, scheduling, materials management and supplier negotiations.
• Contract negotiation, sub-contractor and supplier management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building regulations and the Construction Industry Scheme.
• Auto-Cad and general PC software skills.
• Written contractual communication.
• Commercial & Contractual awareness.
• Leadership, Negotiation, Delegation, Team building and Coaching skills.
• Financial and Partnering experience.
• Knowledge of Contract Law and differing forms of contract.
• Experience, in Collateral warranties, performance bonds etc.
• Agreement of retention and delayed payments schemes.
• Negotiation of final accounts.
• Agreement of measures for extra works.

Autonomy, Complexity & Decision Making:
Holds primary responsibility for the effective Management of the Contracts/Estimating/Surveying Department with strong links to the financial performance of the company. The role is very fluid and moves between all the elements of the construction process from initial design and tendering, through project planning of the contract, materials purchase along with the delegation of contracts management, direct labour management and sub-contractor management/approval, through to client/main contractor negotiations.
Decision making on all elements of Estimating, Costing, Materials purchase, Project Management, Health & Safety, Contractual Law, Insurances, Sub-contractor employment, Profit and Loss, Environmental issues, reporting and operating procedures, team building, professional image of company