Construction Site Manager – (Mega-Project)

Role Title: Construction Site Manager – Major Aviation Infrastructure Project

‍Sector/Environment: Large-scale construction (mega project)

‍Location: Bedford area (with site-based role at a major long-term construction project)

‍Contract Type: Permanent

‍Salary: £50,000 per annum basic + attractive benefits package (including performance bonus, company vehicle/allowance, pension, private healthcare, and project-related allowances – details to be confirmed)

‍Project Duration/Context: 5-year mega infrastructure project with phased delivery, requiring consistent, high-calibre site leadership throughout the lifecycle

Purpose of Role: To take full operational responsibility for managing a major construction site within a multi-year, high-profile leisure programme. The Site Manager will lead all on-site activities, ensure compliance with stringent security, health & safety, and programme milestones, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, and deliver the project safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day site operations for a large-scale aviation construction project, managing subcontractors, direct labour, plant, and materials across civil engineering, structural, M&E, and finishing works.
• Develop and implement detailed site programmes, method statements, risk assessments, and construction methodologies in line with the overall 5-year master programme.
• Ensure full compliance with aviation-specific regulations (CAA, AVSEC, airside safety), CDM 2015, ISO 45001/14001, and client/airport authority standards (e.g., BAA specs, airside pass requirements).
• Manage site security, access control, and vetting processes for all personnel and visitors in a high-security aviation environment.
• Coordinate with client representatives, principal designers, engineers, and stakeholders to resolve technical issues, manage variations, and maintain programme progress.
• Oversee health, safety, environmental, and quality performance, leading daily briefings, inspections, and incident investigations to achieve zero lost-time incidents.
• Control site budgets, cost reporting, value engineering, and commercial management (including subcontractor payments, variations, and claims).
• Lead and motivate a diverse site team (site engineers, supervisors, foremen, operatives), conducting appraisals, training, and performance management.
• Manage plant, equipment, temporary works, and logistics to support efficient site operations.
• Produce regular progress reports, attend client/programme meetings, and contribute to risk registers and mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and lessons learned throughout the 5-year project lifecycle.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience as a Site Manager or Senior Site Manager on major construction projects (ideally £50m+ value), with proven delivery of complex, multi-phase infrastructure schemes.
• Experience working on high scale projects or other high-security/regulated environments (rail, defence, nuclear) – highly desirable but not neccasry.
• Full SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certification (current).
• CSCS Black Manager card and relevant qualifications (e.g., NEBOSH Construction Certificate, First Aid at Work).
• Proven track record of managing large teams, subcontractors, and budgets on long-duration projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Asta Powerproject, or similar planning software; strong Excel skills for cost/programme tracking.
• Full UK driving licence (clean and valid).
• Right to Work in the UK and able to pass full security vetting for airside access.

Desirable:

• Degree or HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience delivering projects under NEC, JCT, or FIDIC forms of contract.
• Previous involvement in 5+ year mega projects or phased airport expansions.
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent advanced safety qualification.

Benefits Package:

• Basic salary: £50,000+ per annum
• Performance-related bonus (typically 10–20% of basic, linked to project milestones)
• Company vehicle or car allowance
• Private healthcare / medical insurance
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• 25+ days holiday + bank holidays
• Life assurance and other executive benefits
• Support for professional development (e.g., CIOB membership, CPD)

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