Closing Date: 01/12/2026 Civils General Foreman Bowburn - Salaried Civil Engineering Explore

Esh Group; Bowburn; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Esh Group in Bowburn is seeking an experienced General Foreman to oversee all on-site civil engineering activities across highway, drainage and structures works. You will supervise direct labour and subcontractors, ensuring works are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

You will lead inductions and tool box talks, manage RAMS and permits, maintain site records, coordinate resources, liaise with stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement while

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large civil engineering schemes (highways, drainage, structures).
• CSCS gold card holder. Confined space and street works qualifications preferred.
• First aid at work certificate preferred.
• UK driving licence (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Supervise on-site civil engineering activities, direct labour and subcontractors.
• Lead inductions and toolbox talks; ensure RAMS and permits are in place.
• Maintain site records, QA/ITP, daily diary, and progress reporting.
• Coordinate resources, equipment hire/returns, and logistics on site.
• Ensure works are delivered safely, on programme and within budget.
• Represent site in liaison with clients, suppliers and internal teams.

Skills

Leadership

Safety minded

Communication

Problem solving

Deadline driven

Team coordination

Education

CSCS card (Gold)

Confined space training

Street works qualification

First aid at work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the role:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive General Foreman to oversee and manage all on‑site construction activities across civil engineering projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for the supervision of direct labour and subcontractor teams, ensuring that all works are delivered safely, on programme, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. A strong commitment to Health and Safety, operational efficiency, and defect‑free delivery is essential. This role presents an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the successful execution of infrastructure schemes.

Location:

Bowburn

What we will expect from you:

• Can independently & confidently carry out Inductions and TBT briefings
• Operates and promotes safe working on site implementing company HSE standards, paying specific attention to HSE legislation and quality (Leads by example)
• Ensure all works are carried out in line with approved method statements and risk assessments and can deliver RAMs briefings
• Can complete the relevant daily and weekly permits such as PUWER/LOLER/Permit to dig and deliver briefings to site teams
• Has a good understanding of HSE procedures within Esh Group and undertakes the necessary reporting and documentation befitting to role
• Ensure site personnel have task relevant training requirements and is entered on site personnel training register
• Achieves good standards on site (4 score)
• Can fulfil the role of Temporary Works Supervisor
• Good knowledge of construction activities including drainage, deep excavation, road construction, structures, and temporary works
• Assists with promoting best practice, identifying efficiencies and innovation
• Can provide ideas /troubleshoot day to day project delivery issues
• Can assist the project planner with Project Programme and as-built monthly updates
• Provides input into efficiency and innovation planning and implementation (Collaborative Planning)
• Contributes to and deliver works aligned to the master programme
• Schedules, co-ordinates and allocates supervision to the daily activities of gangs/site operatives and ensures gangs/site operatives complete all required documentation in line with company requirements
• Tracks and documents daily work productions. (Daily diary)
• Can plan resource requirements in advance and communicate requirements effectively to line manager
• Organises and manages the hire and off-hire of external/internal equipment on a daily basis
• Ensure the completion of works on time, within budget and compliant with specification, proactively driving progress of the works, challenging methods to maximise progress and minimise costs
• Maintains up to date and accurate records of measurement for direct and subcontract works to support QS
• Assists in Monthly CVR with QS, and is transparent in reporting
• Has a basic understanding of sub-contractor orders and the responsibilities of ESH attendances and can and communicate this to the wider team
• Can identify risks and opportunities and communicates in monthly reports to management
• Maintain excellent site records and document activities accurately
• Consistently uses VP where required for key documentation reporting
• Carry out and records site inspections. (QA Control/ITP)
• Can co-ordinate deliveries and collection of materials and necessary quality checks as required
• Has the experience to liaise with customers/suppliers/third parties as necessary alongside the Construction Liaison Officer
• Maintains good relationships with all stakeholders including internal team, Client, and sub-contractors
• Has an understanding of Sector QA and demonstrates buy in by compliance
• Has the ability to recognise defective works and rectify in a timely manner
• Ensures project team and SC supply chain deliver to high standards (Lead by Example)

It is not possible for this document to totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outlined duties may therefore vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility.

What to Expect from us:

• Care: We prioritise your wellbeing and development, offering a supportive environment where you’re encouraged to grow, learn, and bring your best self to work
• Trust: You’ll have the autonomy to take ownership of your work, with managers who believe in your abilities and are there to support you when needed
• Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option. You can rely on open, honest communication and fair decision making
• Respect: We value diverse perspectives and create a workplace where everyone is listened to, valued, and treated with dignity
• Working Together: Collaboration is at the heart of how we operate. You’ll join a team that celebrates shared success and supports one another to achieve great results

Together, these values create a workplace where people feel welcome, trusted, appreciated, and proud to be part of the team.

Qualifications:

• Experience in delivery of large civil engineering schemes, including Highways, Drainage and Structures
• Good IT Skills with knowledge and experience using Microsoft office and other relevant software
• Holds a CSCS card – minimum gold standard
• Confined space training and Street works Qualification are preferred
• First aid at work certificate preferred
• UK driving licence, Clean or low on points

Attributes & Skills:

• Conducts themselves in a courteous and professional manner
• Is open and honest
• Friendly and approachable
• Encourages and supports other colleagues
• Has a ‘can do / will do’ attitude
• Remains focused can work to meet deadlines
• Is open to new ideas and listens to others point of view
• Can adapt their communication style to suit colleagues/client and customer
• Can take feedback on own performance and takes steps to improve this