Construction Manager

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council invites applications for a proactive Construction Manager to lead our Highways Construction Delivery Team. You will oversee capital and revenue maintenance, manage budgets, supervise operatives and subcontractors, and ensure timely, safe delivery of highway works.

The role involves travel across the county with a council vehicle provided. Salary ranges £50,908–£57,290, and a benefits package are included. Based in Bridport or nearby depots.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of construction or civil engineering and proven delivery experience.

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage and supervise revenue maintenance, structural maintenance and major construction work across the County.
• Manage project budgets and resources to ensure safe, efficient delivery with minimal disruption.
• Ensure works comply with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and contractual requirements.
• Carry out site visits, safety inspections and monitor quality using digital auditing systems.
• Carry out duties as Premises Responsible Person when required for an operational highways depot.
• Participate in winter maintenance and standby rota.

Skills

Project delivery

Team leadership

Budget management

Health & safety

ICT skills

Communication

Education

NVQ level 6 diploma in construction site management

Tools

Asset management (Confirm)

Job description

About the role

Dorset Council is seeking a proactive and experienced Construction Manager to join our Highways Construction Delivery Team.

In this key role, you will lead a team of operatives and subcontractors to deliver high‑quality, efficient, and cost‑effective highway works. You will be responsible for managing the delivery of both Capital and Revenue Maintenance Programmes, including projects such as highway resurfacing, surface treatments, drainage works, improvements, and associated maintenance activities.

This role involves regular travel across the county to oversee works and support your team. A council vehicle will be provided.

Key responsibilities

• To effectively manage and supervise the execution of revenue maintenance, structural maintenance and major construction work throughout the County
• Manage and control project budgets and resources to ensure safe, and efficient delivery of premium quality work while minimising disruption on the Highway network
• To ensure that all works are completed safely, and obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are met
• Operate in a fast-changing environment, therefore day to day activities are subject to changing problems and circumstances
• Carry out duties in accordance with Environmental and Quality Management Systems
• To ensure that all works are carried out in accordance with contractual and legislative requirements and meet the standards of quality required within the specification where applicable
• To ensure in conjunction with information provided by the Business Support staff, that the correct materials, plant and vehicles are used to maximise utilisation and reduce operational costs
• To undertake the responsibilities of a ‘Premises Responsible Person’ when required to oversee an operational highways depot
• To participate in winter maintenance and out of hours emergency duties for the Dorset Highways standby rota
• Ensure that accidents are reported in a timely manner
• Ensure safe systems of work are used to keep all site personnel and members of the public safe from harm
• Carry out regular site visits and safety inspections and monitor works quality through use of digital auditing systems
• Any other duties as required commensurate to the grading of this post

Essential

• A full driving licence is required for this role
• Able to demonstrate an extensive depth of knowledge and experience of construction, or civil engineering and proven success in project delivery in a relevant specialist area
• Experience of working to deadlines and targets
• A sound understanding of role of Principal Contractor (Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015)
• To be able to manage and further develop a team to its full potential
• The ability to devise and deliver works programmes on time and on budget
• To be able to demonstrate good ICT skills
• To be able to work as part of a busy team
• To be assertive and diplomatic
• Self-motivating and a strong motivator of the labour force
• CSCS Card

Desirable

• Knowledge of asset management systems such as Confirm.
• Lantra Traffic Management sector scheme12D M7 Managers Client Officers.
• CSCS Managers Card
• NVQ level 6 diploma in construction site management or equivalent
• Member of a professional institution such as ICE, IHE or CHI

Further information

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

Salary: £50,908 - £57,290, excluding out of hours standby and associated overtime.

Location: Bridport, Charminster, Stalbridge or Ferndown Depots

For an informal discussion please contact Ross Sturmey on 07891 537563

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.