At Bellway we recognise that people are the key to our success, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture that values and respects difference combined with creating a safe and inclusive working environment for all colleagues. This means we are positive about making adjustments as well as providing flexible working and we would be happy to talk to you about how this could work for you.There is an exciting opportunity to join Bellway, one of the UK's largest house builders. Our Durham Division, is looking to recruit a Head of Construction to join the team.**The Role**As the Head of Construction, you will take full operational responsibility for construction across Bellway's Durham Division. Sitting on the Divisional Management Team, you will report directly to the Divisional Managing Director.Leading an experienced construction team, you will oversee nine live developments across County Durham, Teesside and the surrounding area, spanning traditional housing, apartments and a mix of build methods, with a target of delivering approximately 280 homes in FY27.With genuine scope to progress towards a Construction Director role, this position will suit an ambitious senior construction leader who wants broad operational ownership and the opportunity to make a visible difference.Principal accountabilities of the Head of Construction role include:* Lead the Construction Department, setting clear expectations and creating a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.* Take ownership of build delivery across all developments, ensuring agreed programmes, legal completions and divisional targets are achieved safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality.* Work with the Divisional Management Team to shape and deliver the construction strategy and three-year forecast.* Provide visible leadership through regular site visits, maintaining high standards of presentation, build quality and operational performance.* Ensure full compliance with Bellway's Health and Safety and Fire policies, contributing to divisional Health and Safety meetings and promoting safe working practices across every development.* Maximise the division's performance and profit potential through effective cost control, close monitoring of site preliminaries and overheads, and robust management of the construction team.* Partner closely with Sales, Customer Care and other divisional functions to deliver an excellent customer experience and strong customer care ratings.* Lead, coach and develop a team that includes Construction and Contracts Managers, Site Managers and construction administration support.* Provide clear construction and management reporting for the Main Board and contribute to monthly valuation meetings.* Identify issues early, take decisive action and embed best practice across the division.**About You*** Significant senior management experience within volume housebuilding construction.* A strong track record of leading multi-site delivery and balancing the demands of safety, programme, cost, quality and customer service.* The credibility to contribute at divisional leadership level and provide trusted construction expertise to senior stakeholders.* A practical, visible leadership style with the ability to mentor, motivate and hold teams to account.* Strong communication, listening and presentation skills, combined with excellent attention to detail.* A calm, organised and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to make timely decisions, delegate effectively and perform in a fast-paced environment.* A relevant CSCS card or equivalent, an SMSTS certificate and a full UK driving licence.* An HND in Construction or Level 7 Construction NVQ would be desirable.* Good IT capability and the confidence to adapt to new systems.* A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating an environment where people can perform at their best.**Experience, Qualifications and Skills****Experience*** Management experience at a senior level / Head of Construction / Senior Construction Manager* Management of a construction function within the built environment* Previous experience as a Senior Construction Manager with a volume house builder essential**Qualifications and Training*** Relevant CSCS card or equivalent* SMSTS certificate* HND in Construction, or Level 7 Construction NVQ desirable* Full UK driving licence**Skills and Aptitude*** Strong communication, listening and presentation skills* Excellent attention to detail* Methodical, conscientious, organised and works to deliver high standards* Ability to recognise problems and deal with them in a speedy and effective manner* Ability to manage and motivate a team* Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.* Ability to problem-solve and delegate effectively.* IT literate and the ability to adapt to new systems within the commercial environment* Committed to diversity and inclusion**The Role and Working Conditions*** Daily travel to development sites and Divisional Head Office* Willing to be flexible in respect of day-to-day duties and hours worked* Core hours**In return we can offer you:*** Competitive salary* Competitive bonus scheme* Company car allowance* 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays* Contributory pension scheme* Life assurance* Cycle to Work scheme**We reserve the right to close this vacancy if a large volume of applications are received.**LocationHoughton-le-Spring, DurhamError setting cookie preference #J-18808-Ljbffr
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We think this is how you could land Head of Construction Houghton-le-Spring, Durham in North East
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Bellway Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Bellway Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bellway Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Bellway Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Bellway Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
