At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Small Works business, driving commercial performance and operational excellence.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on sustainable growth and client satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, corporate discounts, and private medical options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a leadership role that shapes the future of construction projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong background in construction, contract management, and proven leadership experience.
Job Description
Role Title: General Manager
Business Unit: Facilities Management - Small Works
Location: Nationwide, with travel across the UK as required
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead its Small Works business across the UK. This is a key leadership role with full responsibility for the commercial performance, operational delivery, and sustainable growth of a diverse project portfolio.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished leader with a strong background in construction, contract management, and commercial governance. They will have a proven track record of maximising profitability, managing commercial risk, and driving financial performance while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and client satisfaction.
Working closely with Project Managers and the senior leadership team, the General Manager will provide clear commercial direction, robust challenge, and strategic oversight to ensure all projects deliver against financial and operational targets.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Take overall accountability for the commercial performance and profitability of the Small Works business.
- Drive revenue growth, margin improvement, cash generation, and financial predictability across the project portfolio.
- Lead, develop, and manage a team of Project Managers, creating a high-performance culture focused on accountability, commercial awareness, and operational excellence.
- Ensure robust commercial controls are embedded throughout the project lifecycle, including tender review, procurement, forecasting, variation management, cost control, and final account settlement.
- Provide strategic oversight of project financial performance, challenging assumptions and implementing corrective actions where required.
- Manage contractual risk and opportunity, ensuring projects are administered in accordance with contract requirements and company governance procedures.
- Review and approve project forecasts, CVRs, cash flow projections, and business performance reporting, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
- Drive commercial consistency and best practice across all regions, improving efficiency, governance, and profitability.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners, acting as a senior point of contact for commercial matters.
- Support business development activities by identifying growth opportunities, securing repeat business, and enhancing client relationships.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, to the required quality standards, and in line with agreed commercial objectives.
About You:
- Significant leadership experience within the construction industry, preferably in a multi-project environment.
- Proven track record of delivering strong commercial results, improving margins, and managing business profitability.
- Extensive knowledge of construction contracts, commercial management, procurement, and risk management.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and project reporting.
- Demonstrable ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing operational teams.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to balance strategic business objectives with hands-on operational leadership.
- Strong understanding of project delivery, construction methodologies, and client management
Desirable
- RICS or CIOB (or working towards)
- Degree in Construction / Engineering
- Strong NEC and JCT contract knowledge
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
Leadership capability
Our benefits:
We put our people first and our benefits package reflects that by offering a comprehensive range of attractive options to help support your career on top of a competitive salary.
- Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, plus the opportunity to purchase further holidays
- A wide range of corporate discounts
- Cycle to Work schemes
- Comprehensive pension plan
- Competitive family leave policy
- Regular Save as You Earn share purchase scheme
- Private medical scheme options are available for all salaried employees, and our employee assistance programme also provides free 24/7 support to those who need it
- Paid for yearly membership to one recognised professional association relevant to your role
General Manager (FM) in Glasgow employer: Drnewitt
Join a leading precision engineering manufacturer in East Kilbride, where your skills as a CNC Miller will be valued and nurtured. With a commitment to employee development, competitive pay, and a supportive work culture, this company offers a modern machining environment that prioritises quality and efficiency. Enjoy flexible working patterns, generous holiday allowances, and a range of benefits that make this an excellent place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (FM) in Glasgow
✨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 Drnewitt, 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 General Manager (FM) at Drnewitt.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (FM) in Glasgow
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 Drnewitt
✨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!
