Construction Manager - Heavy Civils Programme

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK construction company seeks a skilled Construction Manager for a significant infrastructure programme in Derby. This permanent position requires a hands-on leader with extensive experience in heavy civils and groundworks. The role involves managing on-site delivery, overseeing subcontractors, and ensuring compliance with safety standards in a high-security environment. Ideal candidates will hold qualifications like HND, SMSTS, and CSCS Level 6 or above.

Qualifications

• Must have experience in heavy civils and groundworks within complex infrastructure environments.
• Previous senior site-based delivery experience with a Tier 1 subcontractor or equivalent.
• Practical leadership style with understanding of temporary works and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site delivery and act as the main interface between team and stakeholders.
• Oversee groundworks and civils works in a secure environment.
• Manage subcontractors, logistics, and health & safety.

Skills

Heavy civils experience

Groundworks knowledge

Leadership skills

Health & safety compliance

Project management

Education

HND or equivalent construction-related qualification

SMSTS

CSCS (NVQ Level 6 or above)

IOSH Managing Safely

Job description

Construction Manager – Heavy Civils Programme

Location: Derby

Type: Permanent

Security Clearance: Must be eligible for MOD security clearance

Our client, a leading UK construction company, is seeking a skilled and proactive Construction Manager to join the delivery team on a major long-term infrastructure expansion at a high-security site in Derby.

This is a multi-year, £150m+ programme, and you’ll act as the day-to-day site lead, working directly under the Project Director and liaising with client-side stakeholders. The works include complex groundworks, enabling infrastructure, utilities, and substructures — all within a heavily regulated, live operational environment.

The civils package is being delivered under an NEC Option E contract by a Tier 1 Subcontractor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on-site delivery and act as the main interface between the civils delivery team and client-side representatives.
• Oversee groundworks and heavy civils works across a secure, regulated, live environment.
• Manage subcontractors, logistics, temporary works, and health & safety to ensure delivery to programme and quality standards.
• Monitor construction progress, labour/resource allocation, and risk; escalate issues to the Project Director as necessary.
• Maintain high safety and compliance standards, especially in line with MOD regulations and site-specific protocols.

About You

• Demonstrated experience in heavy civils and groundworks within complex infrastructure or secure environments.
• Previous senior site-based delivery role with a Tier 1 subcontractor or equivalent delivery partner.
• Practical, hands-on leadership style with sound understanding of temporary works, logistics, and construction health & safety.
• Familiarity with NEC contracts (particularly Option E) and use of relevant project planning tools.

Qualifications

• HND or equivalent construction-related qualification
• SMSTS
• CSCS (NVQ Level 6 or above)
• IOSH Managing Safely

This is a rare opportunity to play a key leadership role on one of the UK’s most technically significant infrastructure programmes. You’ll join a committed and expert team delivering work that truly makes a long-term impact in a secure, high-performance setting.