Senior Site Manager / Senior Construction Manager

Senior Site Manager / Senior Construction Manager

Southampton | Major - Student Accommodation Project

Synergy Personnel Ltd is recruiting on behalf of one of its clients for an experienced Senior Site Manager / Senior Construction Manager to play a significant role in the delivery of a major £160m+ student accommodation project in Southampton.

With a build programme running through to 2029, the scheme will provide in excess of 1,500 new student beds, alongside the refurbishment and restoration of a Grade II listed building.

Designed to operate emission-free, the project will exceed UK net zero carbon targets and includes a commitment to significantly increase the availability of affordable student accommodation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Construction Manager / Senior Site Manager to join a major project and play a key role in its successful delivery from inception through to completion.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience overseeing mid to large-scale construction projects, with a proven track record working for a major UK Main Contractor. You will be responsible for leading site teams, managing resources, coordinating subcontractors, driving programme performance, maintaining the highest standards of health and safety and quality, and working closely with the client and wider project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Management of the Site

Plan, organise, control and coordinate the site or designated section of the site through to a safe and satisfactory completion.

Ensure works are properly coordinated and that suitable safe access and segregation are maintained.

Ensure works do not commence until appropriate Risk Assessments, Task Safety Plans and Method Statements have been issued, reviewed, agreed and communicated by the relevant subcontractor.

Actively monitor the implementation of agreed safe systems of work.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of the full project lifecycle and contribute construction expertise at every stage.

Establish effective processes to ensure all required site records and reporting are maintained, including record sheets, site instructions, daily diaries and associated documentation.

Managing Resources

Understand the resource requirements necessary to successfully deliver each section of the works and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.

Ensure all members of the project team understand their roles, responsibilities and performance expectations.

Develop individuals through effective coaching, mentoring and training.

Manage and resolve disputes effectively and professionally.

Management of Information

Ensure works are carried out in accordance with good industry practice and all relevant specifications, drawings, approved method statements and project requirements.

Ensure all relevant technical, design and manufacturer information is obtained and understood prior to works commencing.

Ensure information is effectively communicated and disseminated to all relevant parties.

Production

Ensure materials, plant and subcontractor resources are procured and available to meet project targets.

Maintain effective control of costs within areas of responsibility.

Identify changes and variations arising on site and ensure appropriate records are maintained in accordance with the project's established change control procedures.

Quality

Ensure appropriate quality standards are achieved throughout the project.

Ensure subcontractors understand the project's quality requirements and standards prior to commencing works.

Communicate the project's quality policies and procedures to subcontractors and suppliers.

Establish and maintain robust on-site quality procedures.

Undertake regular inspections and checks to ensure workforce and subcontractors are meeting required quality standards.

Drive a culture of right-first-time delivery.

Challenge and stop substandard work where necessary and ensure corrective action is implemented promptly.

Engage specialist technical and quality support where required.

Health & Safety

Ensure all works are undertaken in accordance with current UK health, safety and environmental legislation and the project's Health, Safety & Environmental Plan.

Lead by example and promote a positive safety culture across the project team, workforce and supply chain.

Ensure suitable welfare facilities are provided, maintained and monitored.

Establish effective procedures to ensure all required safety documentation is properly collated and retained.

Ensure regular inspections are undertaken for temporary works and site facilities, including hoardings, scaffolds, access systems and temporary staircases.

Ensure plant and equipment are appropriately inspected and maintained in accordance with relevant PUWER requirements.

Actively promote continuous improvement in health and safety performance across the project.

Project Planning

Review and mark up the project programme on a weekly basis.

Assess and coordinate one-week lookahead programmes from suppliers and subcontractors.

Develop and coordinate short- and medium-term programmes for site operations in line with the overall project programme.

Attend and chair weekly Last Planner / collaborative planning meetings where required.

Review the weekly work plan on a daily basis and brief trade supervision on required actions.

Ensure short-term plans and performance requirements are achieved.

Re-prioritise works where necessary to maintain programme performance.

Lead regular progress meetings and monitor performance against agreed targets.

Liaison with Client, End Users and Neighbours

Manage the expectations and aspirations of the client, end users and neighbouring stakeholders.

Respond to and resolve queries and complaints professionally.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with the client and project stakeholders.

Support the development of long-term relationships and future opportunities.

Provide clear and accurate reporting on progress, issues, risks and information requirements.

Communication & Leadership

Understand project objectives and translate them into clear short- and medium-term goals for the site teams.

Establish an effective site structure with clear roles, responsibilities and lines of accountability.

Ensure all members of the project team understand their responsibilities and performance expectations.

Maintain company and project procedures through effective monitoring, review and continuous improvement.

Provide strong leadership across the site team and wider supply chain.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

Significant experience working as a Senior Site Manager, Senior Construction Manager or similar position.

A proven track record delivering large-scale construction projects for a major UK Main Contractor.

Experience managing complex construction programmes from inception through to completion.

Strong leadership and people-management skills.

Proven experience managing subcontractors, suppliers and site teams.

Strong understanding of construction planning and programme management.

Experience with short-term planning, lookahead programmes and collaborative planning / Last Planner methodologies.

Strong knowledge of health, safety, quality and environmental requirements.

Experience managing change, site instructions and cost-related matters.

Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

The ability to work effectively with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal project teams.

A strong focus on delivery, quality and safety.

Experience within student accommodation, residential, education, healthcare, commercial or other complex large-scale developments would be advantageous