At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate groundworks activities on exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Join a family-owned construction business with a rich history and strong values.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, ongoing training, and long-term work opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values safety and quality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience in groundworks and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced
Groundworks Foreman to lead and coordinate groundworks activities on our civil engineering projects.
You will supervise site teams, drive productivity, maintain quality standards, and ensure all works are delivered safely and efficiently.
This is a hands‑on leadership role, acting as the link between site operatives and project management while supporting a positive and safety‑first culture on site.
Application Deadline October 27, 2026 Department Construction (Trades & Labour) Employment Type Contract / Temp Location Tees Valley Workplace type Onsite
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise groundworkers, plant operators, labourers, and subcontractors.
- Coordinate daily site activities to meet programme requirements.
- Oversee drainage, earthworks, foundations, kerbing, and concrete works.
- Ensure compliance with RAMS, permits, environmental controls, and safety procedures.
- Deliver daily briefings, toolbox talks, and site inspections.
- Monitor quality standards and resolve on‑site issues with project teams.
- Maintain site records, progress reports, and material logs.
- Manage plant, materials, and site resources effectively.
- Support and develop apprentices, trainees, and junior operatives.
- Report and investigate incidents, near misses, and non‑conformances.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong knowledge of drainage, earthworks, kerbing, and concrete operations.
- CSCS Gold or Black Card.
- SSSTS or SMSTS certification.
- First Aid at Work.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Groundworks or Construction Operations.
- Temporary Works Supervisor certification.
- CPCS or NPORS plant tickets.
- Slinger Signaller or Crane Coordinator qualification.
- Experience mentoring apprentices or junior team members.
- Familiarity with BIM and digital construction tools.
Benefits
- Long-term continuity of work
- Major infrastructure project experience
- Competitive rates
- Opportunity to progress within both enabling and main works phases
- Excellent rates of pay
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- About Carey Group
Our story starts in 1969 with three brothers and a van.
John, Tom and Pat Carey moved to London from Ireland and started a groundworks contracting company in London called PJ Carey Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd.
Their aspirations at the time were reflective of the values of the Carey Group today – to care about everything they did, to act with humility in all interactions, to be passionate about their work and be authentic at all times.
The Carey Group remains a family‑owned construction business, operating across the UK and Ireland.
Their goal at the time was to grow to around 50 operatives and provide quality, safe work so that they and their employees could provide for their families and get safe home every day.
Through hard work and sticking to their values and their word, this was certainly achieved…. and some.
Throughout the years, we have remained committed to delivering on our promises, respecting our clients, offering innovative solutions and producing the highest‑quality work in safe environments.
These are the core principles set by our Founders, the ones we have never wavered from and they help us to fulfil our ultimate vision to be the most trusted and socially responsible construction company, that people are proud to work with.
Our strong approach is underpinned by robust financial management, continuous investment in our people, specialist equipment and strategic assets and our long‑standing culture of teamwork – we want to create the very best environments for our people.
We care about our people and our partners and how we work with them, ensuring we do our best by them.
Ultimately, we care about our impact on the world around us and the communities that we proudly help to shape.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 3
Interview
Stage 4
Hired
Stage 1
Applied
Stage 2
Review
Stage 4
- Hired
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Groundworks Foreman employer: BDL
BDL is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and efficiency on major construction projects in West Cumbria. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including 26 days of holiday, private healthcare, and a robust pension scheme, making it a rewarding place for professionals looking to advance their careers in logistics management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundworks Foreman
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like BDL.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like BDL appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundworks Foreman
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting BDL know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what BDL is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at BDL
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
