Head of Construction

Eden Brown; England; Hybrid; GBP 127,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in England is seeking a Head of Construction to lead their Life Sciences division. The role involves managing high-value laboratory projects from RIBA Stage 3 to completion, ensuring safety and quality standards are met. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background, extensive experience in project management, and can lead high-performing teams. This position offers a base salary of up to £150,000 and a bonus structure linked to divisional performance, with hybrid work flexibility.

Benefits

Bonus linked to divisional GP performance

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering complex refurbishment and laboratory/technical projects in a senior leadership capacity.
• Strong understanding of RIBA stages 3-6 and design detailing.
• Track record managing multiple high-value projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead the construction delivery function across the Life Sciences division.
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects ensuring targets are met.
• Drive excellence in safety, quality, and technical performance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical coordination

Commercial awareness

Project management

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Head of Construction - Life Sciences Division

Location: West of London (Hybrid - 2-3 days in office)

Salary: Up to 150,000 + Bonus (OTE circa 200,000)

Division Turnover: 20-25m

Overview

An established design & build and refurbishment business with a strong technical focus is seeking a Head of Construction to lead their growing Life Sciences division, delivering complex laboratory and technical fit‑out projects from RIBA Stage 3 through to completion.

This is a senior leadership position for a construction professional with exceptional technical and managerial ability, capable of driving multiple projects and leading a high‑performing delivery team in a demanding, quality‑driven environment.

The Role

The Head of Construction will take full ownership of project delivery across the division, overseeing a portfolio of high‑spec laboratory projects ranging from 3m‑15m in value. Working alongside the Preconstruction, Design, and Commercial teams, you will ensure excellence in buildability, programme control, and technical execution throughout the project lifecycle.

You will lead a team of highly capable Contracts Managers and Project Managers - individuals who already deliver at a very high level - so the successful candidate must bring both gravitas and deep technical knowledge to add value at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the construction delivery function across the Life Sciences division (circa 20‑25m t/o).
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring programme, cost, and quality targets are consistently achieved.
• Take responsibility for all post‑RIBA Stage 3 delivery, including technical coordination, risk management, procurement strategy, and construction sequencing.
• Drive excellence in safety, quality, and technical performance across all live sites.
• Support preconstruction activity with input on methodology, buildability, and logistics.
• Work closely with design, commercial, and client teams to ensure alignment through each stage.
• Mentor and develop Contracts Managers and Project Managers, fostering a culture of accountability and precision.

Requirements

• Proven experience delivering complex refurbishment and laboratory/technical projects in a senior leadership capacity.
• Strong understanding of RIBA stages 3‑6, technical coordination, and design detailing.
• Excellent commercial awareness and ability to influence project strategy and outcomes.
• Track record of managing multiple high‑value projects simultaneously.
• Confident, technically astute, and capable of commanding respect from top‑tier Contracts Managers and client teams alike.
• Ideally degree‑qualified in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Package

• Base Salary: Up to 150,000
• Bonus / OTE: Circa 200,000 (bonus linked to divisional GP performance)
• Hybrid Working: Typically 2‑3 days per week in the West London office

Eden Brown is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.