At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead small-to-medium construction projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and safety.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm working with NHS, education, and leisure sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a team that transforms spaces and impacts communities positively.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction project management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Construction Small Works Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of multiple small-to-medium construction projects ranging from £150,000 to £1.5 million. Operating across the NHS, Education, and Leisure sectors, the role oversees projects from initial scoping through to handover, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The manager will lead site teams, coordinate subcontractors, maintain client relationships, and ensure compliance with all statutory and contractual obligations.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Delivery — Lead end‑to‑end management of multiple small works projects, ensuring programme, cost, quality, and safety targets are met.
- Client Liaison — Act as the primary point of contact for NHS Trusts, schools, academies, leisure operators, and other stakeholders.
- Programme Management — Develop, monitor, and update project programmes, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Commercial Control — Work with commercial teams to manage budgets, variations, valuations, procurement, and cost reporting.
- Health & Safety Compliance — Ensure all works comply with CDM Regulations, RAMS, safeguarding requirements, and sector‑specific protocols (e.g., live NHS environments).
- Quality Assurance — Maintain high workmanship standards, conduct inspections, and ensure all documentation is completed for handover.
- Team Leadership — Manage site managers, supervisors, and subcontractors, promoting a positive, safe, and productive working culture.
- Stakeholder Coordination — Coordinate with design teams, building control, estates departments, and specialist consultants.
- Reporting & Documentation — Produce progress reports, maintain project records, and ensure compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Sector Experience delivering construction projects within NHS, Education, or Leisure environments, ideally in live/occupied settings.
- Project Management Expertise with a proven track record of delivering projects £150k–£1.5m.
- Strong understanding of CDM Regulations, H&S legislation, and safeguarding requirements.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and client‑facing skills.
- Competence in reading drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
- Proficiency with project management tools and Microsoft Office.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Qualifications
- SMSTS or equivalent site safety qualification.
- CSCS Manager’s Card.
- HNC/HND or degree in Construction Management or related discipline.
- First Aid at Work.
- Experience with NEC or JCT contracts.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive Leadership — Able to anticipate issues and drive solutions.
- Client‑Focused Mindset — Builds trust and long‑term relationships.
- Organised & Detail‑Driven — Strong planning and documentation discipline.
- Calm Under Pressure — Comfortable working in fast‑paced, live environments.
- Team Player — Collaborative, supportive, and able to motivate others.
Typical Projects
- NHS ward refurbishments, minor capital works, fire safety upgrades.
- School classroom refurbishments, accessibility improvements, M&E upgrades.
- Leisure centre facility improvements, changing room refurbishments, plant room works.
Small Works Manager employer: Caval
Join a leading contractor in South Yorkshire that values innovation and growth, offering a competitive salary of £55,000 plus a car allowance and bonus scheme. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships within the construction sector while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises career progression and work-life balance with 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Works Manager
✨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 Caval, 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 Small Works Manager at Caval.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Works Manager
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 Caval
✨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!
