Freelance No.1 site manager

My client is seeking an experienced, autonomous, and safety-focused No. 1 Site Manager to take overall responsibility for the delivery of a £450k commercial fit-out and conversion project. The scheme involves transforming a former retail unit into a modern healthcare facility (including consultation/treatment rooms, specialized M&E/HVAC systems, infection control finishes, and accessible facilities).

As the sole site lead, you will manage day-to-day site operations from setup to client handover. You will drive progress, coordinate trade subcontractors, maintain strict health and safety standard (CDM 2015), and ensure the finished space meets precise healthcare quality standards and regulatory guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

1. Site Operations & Project Delivery

• Take full ownership of day-to-day operations as the sole No. 1 Site Manager on-site.

• Manage the project schedule, tracking daily targets against the master construction programme.

• Sequence works efficiently in a fast-track fit-out environment (demolition, layout reconfigurations, acoustic partitions, M&E routing, specialist finishes).

• Manage logistics, waste removal, deliveries, and site access in what may be a high-street or active retail park environment.

2. Subcontractor & Supply Chain Management

• Direct and supervise all specialist trades (framing/drylining, M&E contractors, flooring, medical gas installers, joinery).

• Lead daily site briefings, toolbox talks, and weekly subcontractor progress meetings.

• Resolve on-site clashes quickly, particularly regarding M&E services above ceiling grids and wall penetrations.

3. Health, Safety & Quality Assurance

• Act as the lead site safety officer in compliance with CDM 2015 regulations.

• Induct all personnel, review RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements), and enforce strict safety standards.

• Conduct regular quality control inspections, verifying that works comply with drawings, building control, HTM/HBN guidelines (where applicable), and infection control specs.

• Maintain snagging logs continuously throughout the build to ensure a smooth, zero-defect handover.

4. Commercial & Stakeholder Liaison

• Work closely with the Quantity Surveyor and Contracts Manager to monitor variations, site instructions, and material call-offs.

• Interface professionally with the client's representative, architects, M&E consultants, and local building control officers.

Required Qualifications & Certifications

• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)

• CSCS Card (Black Manager Card preferred)

• First Aid at Work (3-day valid certificate)

• Asbestos Awareness (essential for conversion/refurbishment of existing retail stock)

• Fire Warden certification (desirable)

• NVQ Level 4 / 6 in Construction Site Management (desirable)

Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a No. 1 Site Manager leading commercial fit-out or refurbishment schemes (£250k–£1m value range).

• Demonstrated experience in retail or commercial-to-healthcare/clinical conversions (e.g., dental clinics, GP surgeries, optical centers, aesthetic/private clinics).

• Strong technical background in M&E integration (HVAC, specialized lighting, drainage, data cablings, pressure systems).

• Proven track record of delivering fast-track schemes safely, on schedule, and within budget.

• High proficiency in reading architectural, structural, and M&E layout drawings.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with healthcare design requirements (e.g., acoustic ratings for consultation rooms, vinyl flooring with coved skirtings, wipeable anti-bacterial surfaces, DDA accessibility).

Key Personal Attributes

• Self-Motivated & Autonomous: Capable of running a site single-handedly without constant supervision.

• Firm but Fair Communicator: Strong leadership skills to keep trades accountable on deadline-driven projects.

• Detail-Oriented: Zero compromise on clinical hygiene standards and fine internal finishes.