Programme Construction Lead

Role title: Construction Programme Lead

Closing date: 4th August 2026

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package: Up to £100,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications & level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?

Shape the Future of UK Nuclear Infrastructure

As Construction Programme Lead, you'll take a strategic client-side leadership role on one of the UK's most complex and high-profile infrastructure programmes - the Future Materials Campus (FMC). This programme comprises of seven major new-build facilities, delivered on a site comparable in scale to the 2012 Olympic Park.

We are looking for an individual who brings not only construction leadership, but also strong commercial judgement, contract management expertise, and the ability to operate confidently within an Intelligent Customer environment. This role requires someone who can provide strategic oversight across programme delivery, commercial interfaces, regulatory obligations, and delivery partner performance. Due to the nature of the work, this is a predominantly site-based role at AWE with limited opportunities for remote working.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Construction Management programmatic leader with proven expertise in the client-side delivery of major projects or programmes.

The role will involve:

• Defining and leading the construction strategy across a complex, multi-project programme
• Acting as a senior client-side authority, setting clear expectations for construction delivery partners and ensuring alignment with programme objectives
• Providing oversight, governance, and assurance across construction delivery, including interfaces and partner performance
• Ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations, including the effective discharge of client duties and informed oversight of Principal Contractor arrangements
• Championing a systems-based approach to delivery, ensuring construction is fully integrated with engineering, safety, logistics, commercial, and programme functions
• Demonstrating strong commercial acumen to inform construction delivery model selection, procurement strategy, and risk-based planning; leading contract management and commercial performance to ensure delivery partners are effectively governed and managed in line with contractual intent

We do need you to have the following:

• Demonstrable experience in strategic construction leadership across major infrastructure, capital, or complex delivery programmes
• Strong track record operating within a Client/Intelligent Customer environment, providing strategic leadership, assurance, and informed challenge to delivery organisations
• Deep understanding and practical application of health, safety, environmental and CDM Regulations in a Client/Intelligent Customer capacity
• Experience leading within a systems-based or integrated delivery environment
• Proven ability to set construction strategy, govern construction delivery, and manage complex delivery interfaces at programme level
• Significant experience in construction commercial and contract management, including working with NEC and/or ECI forms of contract, support the managing performance against contractual obligations

Technical & Professional Credentials

• Degree-qualified in Engineering, Construction, or related discipline
• Chartered or Fellow of a relevant professional institution
• Recognised safety qualification (e.g. SMSTS or NEBOSH Construction)

Desirable

• Experience in nuclear or other highly regulated environments
• Knowledge of DfMA, complex logistics planning, and constrained-site delivery

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions)
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary)
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring

You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role

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