Head Of Construction

Eden Brown; Sulham; On-site; GBP 127,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm seeks a Head of Construction for their Life Sciences division in the UK. You will oversee high-value laboratory projects, ensuring quality and safety standards. Ideal candidates will possess senior leadership experience in complex refurbishment and a strong grasp of RIBA stages. This role offers an attractive salary package and hybrid working conditions, requiring 2-3 days in the office.

Benefits

Base salary up to £150,000

Bonus up to £200,000

Hybrid working conditions

Qualifications

• Deliver complex refurbishment and laboratory projects in senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of technical coordination and design detailing.
• Track record of managing multiple projects successfully.

Responsibilities

• Lead the construction delivery function across Life Sciences division.
• Oversee multiple projects ensuring targets are achieved.
• Manage post-RIBA Stage 3 delivery with technical coordination.

Skills

Proven experience in senior leadership

Understanding of RIBA stages 3-6

Excellent commercial awareness

Ability to manage multiple high-value projects

Strong technical knowledge

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. 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.