Small Works Manager

Site Manager / Small Works Manager

Location: South Oxfordshire, with regular travel to other project sites
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: M&E / Building Services / Construction

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced and technically capable Site Manager / Small Works Manager to oversee the safe and efficient delivery of M&E and multi-disciplinary construction projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of site operations, coordinating trades and subcontractors, maintaining health and safety standards, monitoring programme and quality, and acting as the client's on-site representative.

Projects are delivered across a range of sectors, including Defence, MOD, Healthcare/NHS, Education, Commercial, Residential, Blue-Light and Local Authority environments.

The role will involve working in complex and often live environments, including hospitals, schools and secure sites. Regular travel to other project locations is an essential requirement.

Key Responsibilities

Site Management & Coordination

Manage day-to-day site activities to ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with project requirements

Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, logistics, plant and materials

Ensure works are correctly sequenced in line with the construction programme and method statements

Lead site inductions, toolbox talks, daily briefings and coordination meetings

Maintain accurate site diaries, progress records, photographs and reports

Monitor site resources and ensure works remain on programme

Health, Safety & Compliance

Promote and enforce high standards of health and safety across site

Ensure compliance with CDM 2015, HASAWA and relevant company policies and procedures

Ensure RAMS are reviewed, understood and implemented by site teams

Manage site inspections, audits and permit-to-work systems, including hot works, confined spaces and electrical isolations where applicable

Maintain appropriate statutory and site records

Implement suitable access controls, segregation and risk controls within live and sensitive environments

Ensure operatives and subcontractors hold the appropriate qualifications, cards and safety certifications

Technical & Quality Control

Oversee installation works including mechanical and electrical systems, HVAC, heating, ventilation, pipework and associated building services

Review works against drawings, specifications and relevant standards

Identify technical issues and work with Project Managers, Engineers, designers and subcontractors to resolve them promptly

Manage quality inspections, ITPs, snagging and defect tracking

Coordinate the completion and sign-off of works

Ensure builder's works, penetrations, fire stopping, containment and service routes are completed to the required standard

Support commissioning, witness testing and quality handover activities

Programme Management

Monitor progress against the project programme and identify potential delays at an early stage

Prepare and manage short-term 1–3 week lookahead programmes

Coordinate trades and resources to maintain project progress

Identify issues relating to resources, design, access or sequencing and escalate them appropriately

Assist with the phasing of works within occupied or operational buildings

Commercial & Contractual Awareness

Support Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors with progress tracking and site measures

Assist with monitoring variations, labour productivity and material usage

Ensure subcontractors work within their agreed scope and minimise scope creep

Check deliveries, plant and waste transfers

Maintain accurate records of changes that may impact cost or programme

Client & Stakeholder Management

Act as the professional on-site representative for the client

Maintain effective communication with clients, estates teams, facilities managers, school representatives and Defence/MOD site personnel

Deal with site queries and concerns promptly and professionally

Maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders

Ensure disruption to building users is kept to a minimum

Ensure live, operational and secure environments remain safe and protected throughout the works

Essential Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Site Manager within M&E, building services or construction
• Experience delivering projects within one or more of the following sectors:
• Defence / MOD
• Healthcare / NHS
• Education
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Public Sector
• Experience managing live or operational sites with strict safety and access requirements
• Strong understanding of site management, subcontractor coordination and construction delivery

Technical Knowledge

Good understanding of HVAC, heating systems, pipework, ventilation and MEP coordination

Experience with containment and plantroom installations

Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, schematics and method statements

Awareness of relevant compliance frameworks and guidance, including:

CDM 2015

HTM guidance, including HTM 03-01

JSP 375 / MOD requirements

CIBSE and BSRIA guidance

UK Building Regulations

Understanding of commissioning, witness testing and quality handover processes

Qualifications & Certifications

SMSTS – essential

UKATA Asbestos Awareness – essential

CSCS Manager Card – advantageous

First Aid at Work – preferred

Fire Marshal – preferred

Mechanical or Building Services background – advantageous

Full UK Driving Licence – essential

Existing SC or DBS clearance, or the ability to obtain relevant clearance for Defence, Education and Healthcare projects

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a Site Manager who is:

A confident and effective leader

Highly organised with excellent communication skills

Proactive, assertive and solutions-focused

Comfortable managing multiple stakeholders

Able to work independently and make informed decisions on site

Resilient and professional when working in challenging environments

Strong on health and safety, quality and programme management

Technically aware with a practical approach to problem-solving

Flexible and willing to travel between project sites

What's on Offer

Competitive salary, dependent on experience

Company vehicle or vehicle allowance

Expenses

Company pension

Private medical options

Training, CPD and career development opportunities

Exposure to high-profile projects across multiple sectors

Long-term career progression within a growing organisation

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Site Manager / Small Works Manager with a strong M&E, building services or construction background, we would be keen to hear from you.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established organisation delivering varied projects across the Defence, Healthcare, Education, Commercial and Public Sector markets.

Please note: Regular travel to project sites is an essential requirement of this position.

Please submit your CV detailing your relevant site management experience, qualifications, certifications and any current security or DBS clearance.