Head of Construction

MAG (Airports Group); Stansted Mountfitchet; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport operator is seeking a Head of Construction at London Stansted Airport to oversee critical infrastructure projects. You will manage the entire project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining safety, quality, and budget adherence. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in construction management, strong communication, and leadership skills to effectively guide diverse teams. The role supports significant airport transformations and requires a meticulous approach to project delivery.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Company pension scheme

Car allowance

Private medical scheme

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in construction management in regulated environments.
• Expertise in delivering complex construction projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to motivate teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities ensuring safety and quality.
• Manage projects through RIBA design stages and stakeholder integration.
• Review pre-construction information and maintain compliance with regulations.

Skills

Construction management

Project lifecycle management

Stakeholder communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

10+ years in construction management

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Job description

Permanent role

Based at London Stansted Airport

Why MAG?

Every year, London Stansted Airport connects over 28 million passengers with more than 190 destinations across the globe. Part of the largest UK owned airport operator group, MAG, London Stansted Airport supports over 11,600 jobs onsite and generates around £7.75bn each year for the region. Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities. At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive. You’ll also have access to some great benefits including :

• Bonus scheme
• Company pension scheme
• Car allowance
• Private medical scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

The role

This role supports the Stansted Airport Transformation capital development programme critical to the airport’s long-term growth, safety, and resilience ensuring valuable infrastructure and assets are completed on time, to budget, and in full compliance with regulations. As Head of Construction, you’ll be involved across the entire project lifecycle, from the earliest concept and business case through to delivery and handover. Working in close partnership with Project Managers, you will guide projects through the RIBA design stages, lead technical reviews, manage key milestones and integrate stakeholder input. You’ll balance technical and commercial considerations to deliver projects of the highest standard, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance remain at the forefront.

The programme spans a wide range of technical and functional areas, including utilities infrastructure (HV / LV Electrical, Water, Gas, Aviation Fuel, Drainage, and IT), baggage handling systems, airfield ground lighting, and fire and life safety systems.

You’ll oversee safe and high-quality construction activities on‑site, offering guidance on design decisions, contractor selection, testing and asset handover, while ensuring all work is delivered to programme and without disruption to daily airport operations. You’ll also play a key role in reviewing pre‑construction information, advising Project Managers on health and safety hazard documentation and maintaining effective communication between airport teams. Additionally, you will support project managers in developing scope documents and work packages, ensuring all requirements are clearly defined and achievable.

What will make you successful in the role?

You’ll bring significant experience in delivering complex projects within operational, regulated environments, with at least 10 years’ proven expertise in construction management across areas such as Building, Fit‑Out, MEP, and Specialist Systems. Your background will include leading the construction, testing, commissioning, and handover of major infrastructure projects, with a track record of excellence from concept development through to implementation and final delivery. You’ll be an effective communicator, confident in working with a wide range of stakeholders, professionals, and contractors. With strong leadership skills, you’ll know how to motivate and guide teams to deliver to the highest standard. Your planning and organisational abilities ensure projects are tracked against schedule, budget, and quality requirements, while your resilience and problem‑solving skills enable you to navigate challenges and make sound decisions under pressure.

Attention to detail is second nature, whether conducting inspections, managing contracts, or ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation and building regulations. You combine technical knowledge with strong numerical and IT skills, and you’re comfortable using project management systems and software, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, to manage and communicate information effectively.