At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic construction for the UK's Future Materials Campus, overseeing major projects.
- Company: AWE, a key player in national safety and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a top pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career development opportunities and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on complex projects that shape the future of UK nuclear infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic construction leadership and contract management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
Programme Construction Lead in Reading employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Construction Lead in Reading
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like All The Top Bananas, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Programme Construction Lead at All The Top Bananas.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Construction Lead in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
