Senior Construction Manager

About us

United Utilities' (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We are proud to be ranked in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We've got a lot to offer. You'll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• A 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A GBP5,000 car allowance to support your travel needs
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working

The role

In the role of Senior Construction Manager, your duties include maintaining adherence to the UU SACRED principles (Safety, Authorisation, Customer, Right First Time, Environmental and Drinking Water) rules throughout the project's Deliver phase and among my team members. Additionally, you will be tasked with overseeing the contractor's performance on behalf of our clients, ensuring that the funds provided by our customers are utilised efficiently in their projects, and guiding your team to uphold these standards across the entire program.

You will act as the go-to expert for high-risk projects or operational programs, offering expert advice and insights. You will represent the initial escalation point within UU for any issues related to construction that concern both internal and external stakeholders.

In the capacity of Senior Construction Manager, you will assume the role of Supervisor under the NEC4 Contract. This position grants you specific contractual authorities within the agreement. Moreover, you will possess a designated set of contractual powers delegated by the Project Manager, which are essential to verify that the contractor's performance aligns with the contractual terms.

Key elements include;

• Working as part of project teams to deliver elements of the Capital Programme
• Ensuring the projects are delivered safely to the required outcomes (SACRED, time and cost)
• To ensure the appropriate management of key stakeholders, both internal and external
• Managing external contractors to achieve the above

We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life and enjoy the benefits of working with us wherever you are. In-person attendance is required three days per week at site to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Key accountabilities

• Lead a team of Construction Managers and Construction Coordinators, including the undertaking of direct line management responsibilities
• Ensure co-ordination and co-operation of own employees and contractors with other UU departments and external bodies for the purposes of work execution, auditing and reporting.
• Support the Construction Delivery Manager in developing approaches and strategies to managing SACRED with a variety of contractors and contract forms within each Directorate
• Support the Construction Delivery Managers in the deployment of Construction Team resources across Directorates and County Models as directed.
• Participate in the selection, induction and evaluation of direct reports and management of training and development of employees. This includes taking into account long-term career development needs as well as improving effectiveness in performance of current job.
• Support the development and implementation of business continuity plans
• Work as part of a project team consisting of internal and external members to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes against the UU SACRED rules
• Develop strong on site relationships with UU Operations and Contractors to ensure successful project outcomes
• Fulfil the role of the Supervisor under the NEC Conditions of Contract
• Proactively manage on site risks and changes, and escalate issues affecting programme / project delivery
• Review key documents such as the works schedule, risk assessments, method statements and inspection and test plans to ensure that risk is understood / managed and that work is undertaken in accordance with the UU SACRED rules, contractual requirements and the agreed plan
• Manage the Defects resolution process, including issue the Defect Certificate at the end of the defect correction period

Skills & experience

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Educated to degree level (ideally in Engineering) or equivalent and with well-rounded experience in managing construction contracts.
• A high level of financial, managerial and analytical skill will be required to manage contracts to ensure delivery to defined timescales
• Experience in managing and leading a team including recruitment and deployment.
• Detailed working knowledge of the performance standards, regulatory and UU requirements, SLAs and turnaround times etc. expected of the contractor
• Understanding of the technical nature and management of major works contracts
• Knowledge of Health, Safety and Environmental policy application
• An excellent communicator and negotiator.

It would also be great if you can demonstrate any of the following?desirable?criteria:

• APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
• IOSH Managing Safely / SMSTS
• Chartered Engineer or equivalent
• Minimum 10 years relevant industry experience