Head of construction

Michael Taylor Search & Selection; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK contractor is seeking an experienced Head of Construction to lead design and build projects valued between £1m and £20m. This role encompasses delivering project outcomes, managing a large multidisciplinary team, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in construction leadership, financial management, and proven success in delivering high-value projects. Join us to influence project delivery and drive continuous improvement in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Opportunity for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior construction leadership role within a design and build environment.
• Experience managing CVRs and departmental financial performance.
• Ability to manage and develop large teams across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for delivery, safety, quality and commercial performance of projects.
• Leadership of a multidisciplinary team across various construction activities.
• Ownership of the department workload planner and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial management

Construction programming

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Construction Management or related discipline

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Construction to lead the delivery of our design and build projects across the business.

This position has responsibility for construction performance, team leadership and project delivery. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience across the full project lifecycle, from pre‑construction and work‑winning through to construction delivery and final handover, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

The Role

As Head of Construction, you will have accountability for the delivery and commercial management of turnkey projects, typically valued between 1m and 20m.

You will lead a multidisciplinary construction team, oversee resource planning and programming, and work closely with Commercial, Design and Senior Leadership to ensure consistent performance across all projects. The role requires a balance of strategic oversight and hands‑on involvement, supporting both operational delivery and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the delivery, safety, quality and commercial performance of all projects.
• Leadership, development and performance management of a large multidisciplinary team, including Contracts Managers, Construction Managers, Commercial Managers, Technical Services Managers and site‑based teams.
• Ownership of the department workload planner, ensuring effective resource allocation across live and pipeline projects.
• Preparation and review of pre‑construction, tender and construction programmes, supporting work‑winning and project mobilisation.
• Active involvement in work‑winning activities, including bid strategy, tender evaluation and pre‑contract coordination.
• Oversight of project financial performance through regular CVR and WIP reviews, including forecasting, month‑end reporting and departmental performance tracking.
• Promotion of a strong health & safety and quality culture, ensuring compliance with all statutory, contractual and company requirements.
• Management of key relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Identification and mitigation of commercial, technical and delivery risks to ensure profitability and programme certainty.
• Contribution to the strategic growth of the business, including team development, succession planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior construction leadership role within a design and build or commercial fit‑out contractor.
• Demonstrable track record delivering Cat A, Cat B design and build projects up to 20m.
• Strong commercial capability, with experience managing CVRs, WIP and departmental financial performance.
• Experienced people leader, capable of managing and developing large teams across multiple projects.
• In‑depth understanding of design management, construction programming and technical services integration within a D&B environment.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in Construction Management or a related discipline.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and well organised.
• Commercially focused with a structured and methodical approach.
• Calm, decisive and effective under pressure.
• Committed to high standards of safety, quality and delivery.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence at all levels.

Why Join Us?

You will be joining a well‑established and forward‑thinking contractor specialising in turnkey design and build projects. We place strong emphasis on quality, planning and collaboration, and provide an environment where senior leaders are trusted to shape delivery and drive continuous improvement.

This role offers the opportunity to influence how projects are delivered, develop high‑performing teams and play a key role in the continued growth of the business.