Head of Construction

Barhale; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Construction to manage diverse construction projects. This role involves leading delivery teams, ensuring safety and efficiency, and driving innovation in water infrastructure. Ideal candidates will have extensive construction management experience and strong leadership skills. Attractive benefits include competitive salary, flexible working conditions, and support for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Private Medical

25 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Significant experience in large-scale construction management, ideally in water or infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of construction techniques and project planning.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop construction delivery teams.
• Oversee strategy and ensure projects are completed safely and on time.
• Drive innovation and ensure stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Large-scale construction management

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Innovation

Job description

About Barhale

Who are Barhale?

Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:

• Water
• Transport
• Built environment
• Energy

We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.

Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.

We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:

• Tunnelling
• MEICA
• Temporary and permanent design
• Steel-fabrication
• Signs (design and fabrication)
• Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE

Company Website:

https://www.barhale.co.uk/

Company Showcase Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFqsoclCUZA

Why join Barhale?

• As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
• Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes
• A broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients
• Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success

Head of Construction

The Role

Join the @one Alliance – a collaborative partnership of eight industry-leading companies (Anglian Water, Balfour Beatty, Barhale, Binnies, MMB, MWH Treatment, Skanska, and SWECO) delivering over half of Anglian Water’s capital investment programme. As we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of AMP8, we’re looking for talented individuals to help us shape the future of water infrastructure.

We’re looking for a Head of Construction to lead and inspire our delivery teams across a diverse and ambitious capital programme. This pivotal role will oversee the safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of major and minor construction projects — ensuring that every build contributes to a sustainable future for our communities and environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing construction delivery teams, promoting collaboration, safety and continuous improvement.
• Oversee construction strategy and delivery across multiple complex projects, ensuring they’re completed safely, on time and within budget.
• Drive innovation and new ways of working through the supply chain — improving safety, quality and efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across Anglian Water, Alliance partners and external suppliers.
• Lead cost control and resource planning to maximise value and performance across all programmes.
• Champion health, safety, wellbeing, and environmental excellence, fostering a zero-accident culture.
• Promote inclusion, fairness and respect across all teams and partners

Essential

• Significant experience in large-scale construction management — ideally within the water, utilities or infrastructure sector.
• A deep understanding of construction techniques, engineering processes, and project planning.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience managing budgets, contracts, and stakeholder relationships.
• A forward-thinking approach — open to innovation, collaboration and change.
• A valid UK driving licence

Caring and investing in you

Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company.

As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.

From the moment you join us, your well‑being and career aspirations will be supported by.

• Competitive salary
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical
• 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
• 8 hours volunteering
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
• Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
• Leadership & management training and coaching
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
• Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
• Continuous service awards

Would you like to know more?

Please contact our Recruitment team via [e-mail]