Principal Contractor Site Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne

Site Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of a National Grid 400kV substation extension on behalf of BAM for National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). The role involves managing all on-site activities in a live, high-voltage environment, ensuring works are delivered to programme, specification, and National Grid standards, while maintaining the highest levels of safety, quality, and environmental compliance.

Working Hours: 07:30-17:00 Monday to Friday. Weekend working to be agreed in line with project requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Responsibility for day-to-day site management of the 400kV substation extension works, reporting to the Project Manager / Site Agent.
• Manage and coordinate civil, structural, and associated electrical enabling works within a live substation environment.
• Plan and sequence site activities to ensure minimal impact on existing assets and ongoing operations.
• Coordinate subcontractors, direct labour, plant, and materials for safe and efficient execution of works.
• Maintain accurate site records, daily diaries, permits, and progress reports.
• Ensure strict adherence to the Electricity at Work Regulations, CDM Regulations, and National Grid safety rules.
• Enforce National Grid policies, procedures, and site-specific safety requirements at all times.
• Lead a strong safety culture through visible leadership, site presence, and proactive intervention.
• Ensure all works are controlled through approved RAMS, permits, isolations, and switching arrangements.
• Conduct site inductions, toolbox talks, briefings, and safety walks.
• Manage incidents, near misses, and corrective actions in line with company and National Grid procedures.
• Act as the principal site liaison between the BAM project team and the local NGET representatives.
• Attend and contribute to progress meetings, safety briefings, and coordination meetings.
• Ensure works comply with NGET technical specifications, standards, and quality requirements.
• Support outage planning, access coordination, and asset protection activities.
• Ensure all works are delivered in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, ITPs, and quality plans.
• Carry out inspections, quality checks, and snagging throughout the construction phase.
• Support handover documentation, redline drawings, and as-built record.
• Drive a "right first time" approach to minimise rework and programme risk.
• Manage and monitor site progress against the agreed construction programme.
• Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities and escalating as required.
• Assist with short-term planning, look-ahead schedules, and sequencing of works.
• Support the commercial team with progress reporting, variation input, and subcontractor performance.
• Lead, motivate, and supervise site teams in a high-risk, safety-critical environment.
• Ensure only competent, authorised, and inducted personnel access the site.
• Maintain a professional, collaborative approach with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.

What do you bring to the role?

• Up-to-date SR163/TP137 PCSM record and eligible to be nominated as NGET PM.
• SMSTS.
• CSCS Black or Gold Card.
• First Aid at Work.
• CDM awareness.
• Proven experience as a Site Manager on National Grid, DNO, or 400kV/275kV substation projects.
• Strong understanding of live substation environments and HV safety controls.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex civil works within safety-critical infrastructure.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and construction sequencing.
• Safety-led with a disciplined and methodical approach.
• Proactive, solutions-driven, and resilient under pressure.
• Detail-oriented and quality focused.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working directly under National Grid frameworks.
• Knowledge of substation civil works including foundations, drainage, compounds, bunds, and structural support works.
• Experience coordinating works alongside electrical installation teams.
• BESC / Person Authorised or equivalent electrical safety awareness.
• Temporary Works Coordinator or Supervisor.
• HNC/HND/Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• A wide range of family-friendly policies.
• Company car/car allowance/travel allowance.
• 8% matched pension contributions.
• Private healthcare.
• Life assurance.
• 26 days holiday.
• 2 wellbeing days.
• 1 volunteering day.
• Personal and professional development.

WE STRIVE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERYONE FEELS WELCOME AND VALUED. WE ARE ON AN EXCITING JOURNEY TO EMPLOY THE BEST TALENT TO JOIN US REGARDLESS OF SOCIAL BACKGROUND, RACE, COLOUR, RELIGION, NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, AGE, DISABILITY OR OTHER CHARACTERISTICS.