Site Manager

AndersElite; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor in the water sector is seeking a Site Manager to oversee infrastructure projects in Colchester. The ideal candidate must have water experience, a relevant degree or NVQ Level 6, and certifications like SMSTS. Responsibilities include managing site operations, ensuring SHEQ compliance, and leading teams. This role offers a salary of £50k to £65k plus benefits, and is crucial to the successful delivery of projects on time and budget.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience within the water or utilities sector is essential.
• Proven experience managing subcontractors and site teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee site management of water infrastructure projects.
• Ensure safety and quality compliance on site.
• Manage supervisors and subcontractors effectively.

Skills

Strong leadership

Excellent communication

Proactive management

Knowledge of SHEQ legislation

Ability to manage budgets

Motivational leadership

Education

Degree, HND or NVQ Level 6

SMSTS and relevant CSCS card

Job description

Anderselite is working with a well‑known contractor who are seeking a Site Manager to be based in and around the Colchester area.

To be considered for this role you MUST have Water experience.

Salary on offer – £50k to £65k + Bens.

Site Manager – Colchester, Essex.

Role Purpose

This role is responsible for the safe and effective site management of water infrastructure projects from inception through to completion. Working closely with the wider project delivery team, the Site Manager will lead day‑to‑day site operations, managing supervisors, delivery teams, and subcontractors to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, to specification, and within budget.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and proactive management of health, safety, quality, environmental, programme, and commercial performance in a regulated water industry environment.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)

• Take full accountability for SHEQ performance across allocated projects.
• Implement and monitor safety, quality, environmental and wellbeing policies and procedures on site.
• Promote a strong safety‑first culture with a “right first time” approach to delivery.
• Ensure method statements and risk assessments are task‑specific, approved, and communicated prior to work commencement.
• Deliver site inductions, toolbox talks and SHEQ briefings, ensuring all records are maintained accurately.
• Drive behavioural safety initiatives and strive for zero accidents and incidents.
• Ensure welfare facilities are appropriate, compliant and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance and performance, including audits and scorecards.
• Record near misses, positive interventions and incidents using digital reporting platforms.

Site & Delivery Management

• Manage supervisors, delivery teams, direct labour and subcontractors on site.
• Deliver projects in line with agreed programmes, cost allowances and quality standards.
• Identify and actively manage programme and cost risks, implementing mitigation measures where required.
• Coordinate suppliers, specialist subcontractors and internal teams to optimise site operations.
• Lead and motivate site teams, fostering collaboration and a “one team” culture.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, supporting succession planning and performance improvement.
• Attend internal and external progress, review and coordination meetings.

Planning & Programme

• Support project planning during both design and delivery stages.
• Contribute to detailed construction programmes and site look‑ahead schedules.
• Actively manage programme changes and provide regular progress commentary to the project leadership team.
• Liaise with client operational teams to ensure key performance requirements are met or exceeded.
• Participate in project rehearsals and readiness reviews to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date site records, including daily diaries, labour and plant returns.
• Compile and collate handover documentation, including as‑built records, test results and certification.
• Ensure all safety, quality and environmental documentation is current and site‑compliant.
• Record and communicate site changes promptly to support commercial management and value recovery.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of Construction Phase Plans using digital systems.

Commercial & Cost Control

• Manage projects typically ranging from £200k to £20m in value.
• Support procurement planning for plant, materials and specialist subcontractors.
• Identify and communicate variations, early warnings and compensation events promptly.
• Review project costs regularly with the commercial team to maintain financial control.
• Support accurate subcontractor applications and ensure minimal margin impact from variations.

Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Promote innovative construction methods and materials that reduce carbon and environmental impact.
• Support new ways of working, including digital delivery and modern construction techniques.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across safety, wellbeing, quality and environmental performance.

Process & Governance

• Ensure compliance with internal project management systems and assurance processes.
• Support BIM and digital delivery requirements, raising design or coordination issues as required.
• Manage non‑conformances and rework through formal assurance processes, ensuring timely close‑out.
• Ensure consistent implementation of current and new processes, systems and digital platforms.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Experience within the water or utilities sector
• SMSTS and relevant CSCS card
• Degree, HND or NVQ Level 6 (or equivalent experience)
• Strong knowledge of SHEQ legislation and water industry standards
• Proven experience managing subcontractors and site teams
• Ability to manage budgets and construction programmes

Desirable:

• First Aid at Work, Environmental Awareness, Confined Space, COSHH, LOLER, Fire Marshal training
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness
• Experience delivering complex M&E and civil engineering projects

Skills & Behaviours

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines
• Proactive, organised and solutions‑focused approach
• Confident using digital tools and site management systems
• Motivational leadership style with the ability to influence others
• Flexible, resilient and adaptable to change

Core Values & Behaviours

• Builds trust through openness, accountability and collaboration
• Acts with integrity and prioritises safety and wellbeing
• Seeks continuous improvement and innovative solutions
• Works collaboratively to deliver positive outcomes for clients, communities and the environment

For more information on this role please contact Teddy Jordan on (phone number removed) or email an updated CV to (url removed).