Diaphragm Wall Lead - Sizewell in London

As part of Bouygues Construction's Public Works division, VSL International participates in the construction of major technical structures and guarantees their structural safety and durability: transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels), industrial and energy production structures, and commercial buildings. VSL has 4,000 employees at 25 locations worldwide (Asia and Oceania, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Canada).

Project Sizewell C (SZC) is at the heart of the UK's clean energy revolution. This ground‐breaking nuclear power plant project in Suffolk will play a vital role in delivering a sustainable future. Backed by EDF and the UK Government, Sizewell C is a once‐in‐a‐generation project with significant opportunities to innovate, grow, and deliver excellence.

We are seeking a Diaphragm Wall Lead (Construction Manager) to manage and deliver VSL's scope within the Plastic Cut‐Off Wall package at Sizewell C. This role is central to the safe, efficient, and high‐quality delivery of a critical cut‐off structure, running around the site perimeter and executed under stringent nuclear standards. The role combines technical leadership and operational management: you will lead large multidisciplinary site teams, oversee daily construction activities, manage subcontractors and suppliers, and ensure compliance with contractual, technical, and safety requirements. You will work closely with client representatives to coordinate resources, optimise schedules, and deliver against project milestones in a challenging and evolving environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Leadership & Coordination
  • Lead on‐site execution of the Plastic Wall package, ensuring compliance with nuclear safety and quality standards.
  • Coordinate large site teams, subcontractors, and suppliers, maintaining alignment across stakeholders.
  • Participate in daily project coordination meetings, reporting progress and issues to the Operations Director/Deputy.
  • Drive performance and motivation across teams, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Planning & Execution
  • Develop detailed execution schedules and plan site logistics, optimising resource allocation.
  • Supervise site activities, ensuring compliance with design specifications, contractual obligations, and best practice.
  • Monitor progress, quality, and costs, implementing corrective actions where required.
  • Oversee procurement activities, budget monitoring, and expenditure forecasting.
• Risk, Safety & Compliance
  • Identify and mitigate project risks, responding proactively to challenges such as access constraints or supply chain issues.
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental standards; maintain training and safety records.
  • Manage daily reporting, progress logs, and technical documentation required for client acceptance.
• Package Scope Context
  • Manage execution of the Plastic Cut‐Off Wall, including 2–4 cutters and 4–5 supporting grabs operating in double shifts.
  • Coordinate with design and technical teams during trials (commencing 2025) and full execution through to early 2028.
  • Collaborate to optimise resource deployment and scope split, ensuring delivery within programme.
  • Oversee all site operations within a nuclear‐grade environment, ensuring uncompromising standards.

Profile Sought

• Minimum 10 years' experience in major construction projects, with significant exposure to foundations and diaphragm wall works.
• Proven track record in managing large construction teams and subcontractors on complex, large‐scale infrastructure projects.
• Previous experience in nuclear, regulated, or alliance/joint venture environments advantageous.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a hands‐on approach.
• Strong knowledge of diaphragm wall construction methods, sequencing, and resource management.
• Effective communicator with negotiation skills, able to manage diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in progress monitoring, cost control, and risk management.
• Fully conversant with Microsoft Office suite and project management tools.

Other Requirements

• Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
• Willingness to work full‐time on‐site at Sizewell C, Suffolk.

Interested? Apply now and let’s build the great structures of tomorrow together!