Construction Manager

Job title: £39,591 + car cash allowance (£5,100 p.a)  + benefits 

Working Hours: 37 Hours Monday - Friday, Ocassional Weekend Working.

Location: Based in Oxfordshire / Milton Keynes, with regular travel across our London & South East canal network - specifically the South Oxford and Grand Union canals.  

Direct Services are currently recruiting for a Construction Manager to lead Site Supervisors, Craft Operative and Operatives for our London & South East canal network - specifically the South Oxford and Grand Union canals. Construction Managers assist in supporting the Trust’s aims to improve safety and increase the number of people using the waterways by delivering programmes of maintenance and repair works to protect and enhance the reputation of the network.

As the leader of a dedicated and busy team it is your role to focus on techniques, safety, skills and expertise to deliver quality work and to maximise productivity and efficiency in delivering the Trust’s works. You will be responsible for delivering the regional programme of prioritised works and liaise closely with regional teams, and technical support teams, to ensure planned works have minimum impact and maximum benefit for the Trust’s customers.

This role involves working in the London & South East regions, though candidates will have the flexibility to work from home as well as travel across those regions to sites on a regular basis. It is essential that candidates are able to work effectively from home.

Location & coverage

Largely based from our Banbury (OX17 3NU) or Milton Keynes site, this involves working in our London & South East (specifically the South Oxford and Grand Union canals) regions, though candidates will have the flexibility to work from home as well as travel across those regions to sites on a regular basis (3 - 4 times per week, initially).  It is essential that candidates can work effectively from home.

The regularity & flexibility of travel will be discussed further at interview stage. 

See our network map here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network  

Construction Managers manage a team of colleagues and volunteers across a section of a waterway and are responsible for providing customer service through planned works, plus operational management of assets and arising works. They are responsible for ensuring that their teams work efficiently and safely to deliver work programmes on target, taking into account the heritage and environmental value of the assets on which they are working.

Key accountabilities:

• Supporting and guiding 10 colleagues, including x1 Site Supervisor, Craft Operative x7, Operative x 2
• Ensure delivery of the agreed work programme (sub set of the regional programme), on time and within budget, using the appropriate available resource including sub-contract and agency. Adequate time is spent planning each package of work, ensuring all stakeholders have input into the delivery process as required. Clear communication with Site Supervisor (where appropriate) throughout planning process. All safety, environment and heritage standards are met. Pertinent reports are produced to meet agreed deadlines.
• Lead & manage a team of site supervisors/site staff. Motivate staff to ensure that outputs are of the standard and quality required. Understand staff training needs, team development plans. Manage the development of apprentices and trainees so that they achieve standards and see an employment future within the Trust. Manage the annualised hours rota to meet the programme needs and work in collaboration with the regional team to support the on-call rota. Disciplinary investigations for all levels below. SAP input and approval of annual leave, sickness, overtime and expenses.
• Provide excellent customer service (internal and external) through proactive response to any enquiries and by ensuring team have a customer focus. Manage team activities to minimise customer impact and maximise customer satisfaction and experience.
• Financial management for their discreet programme of works including estimations. Take responsibility for, and actively manage the available budget for the allocated programme of works along with team overhead costs. Identify working methods to maximise efficiency and ensure delivery of works within budget allowances. Manage the ‘whole-life’ cost reporting of each work package.
• Identification of volunteer opportunities and volunteer recruitment. Where volunteers are involved in works, ensure appropriate management and supervision is provided and that works are completed safely and to the correct quality, whilst maintaining volunteer satisfaction and delivery of the programme.
• Effective resource management including sub-contractors, agency staff, internal support, vehicles, equipment and depots. Manage effectively the plant, equipment and materials within the teams and the day to day management of operational depots in a safe and efficient manner. Also ensure all craft, tools and vehicles are utilised, maintained and managed to best meet the needs of the Trust.
• Manage effectively contract and supply partners through a full understanding of available services, contract terms & conditions and the Trusts contract delivery procedures. Contract management of all sub-contract works on site from identifying elements of work; identifying potential sub-contractors; site information packages; quotations and instructing; understanding and implementing contractual terms and conditions; and managing variations on site.

About you 

Technical:

• Educated to NVQ Level IV / degree level or demonstrable level of experience commensurate with the post.
• Understanding and comprehensive experience in translating a strategic vision; and developing and delivering programmes of work, on time and on budget, which meet that vision.
• Understanding of operational/construction/M&E management.
• Experience of leading a team, being a positive role model translating the Trusts values to all audiences, encouraging and supporting others to make the best use of their abilities.
• Minimum Temporary works Supervisor qualified, but prepared to work towards Temporary works Coordinator).
• NEBOSH National General Certificate in Health & Safety or NVQ. The Trust will offer support to colleagues to help them achieve this qualification. 

General: 

• Customer focused with the ability to deliver on technical challenges in an infrastructure network.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills. Must be able to maintain favourable working relationships with colleagues, contractors, volunteers, external stakeholders and members of the public.
• Experience in estimating.
• Valid driver‘s licence.

To apply:  click on the "Apply for this job" button and follow the process - complete the application form & upload current CV

Advert timeline: 

• Role closes 12th January 2025, 23:59 
• Interviews taking place w/c 20th January 2025. 

If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk

In addition to your salary of £39,591, you will benefit from a Car Cash Allowance of £425 per month, a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, great holiday entitlement and numerous other employee benefits, including several salary sacrifice benefits, all of which can be found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits). 

Other benefits include: 

• Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%.
• 25 days paid holiday (plus paid Bank Holidays), increasing with years of service to up to 30 days after 5 years.
• Home working status with ‘hub’ facilities available should you need the flexibility to work outside of home.
• Annual £200 personal learning & growth award to spend on any learning related activity.
• Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues, e.g. health, financial, well-being and domestic matters.
• Access to a range of employee benefits including store discounts, boating holiday discounts and holiday purchase scheme.
• 2 days paid volunteering leave per annum, allowing you to volunteer for a local community project etc.
• Free fishing facilities across our canal network.

At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.

When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations. Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us