At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and manage teams for a fast-growing scaffolding company.
- Company: Established scaffolding contractor with a strong reputation in London and the South East.
- Benefits: £90,000 salary, flexible hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional development and influence.
- Why this job: Take charge of a thriving business and make a real impact on its growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing scaffolding or access solutions businesses is essential.
Our client is a well-established and fast-growing scaffolding and access solutions contractor operating across London and the wider South East. They deliver commercial, residential and specialist access projects, including temporary roofs, edge protection, stair towers, hoists and bespoke scaffold design, for a loyal base of main contractors, developers and property professionals.
With a strong reputation for safety, reliability and quality of build, the business has built consistent year-on-year growth and now has multiple live and ongoing projects running simultaneously. As the team and project pipeline continue to expand, they are looking to bring in an experienced General Manager / Operations Manager to take day-to-day ownership of the business and free up the leadership team to focus on strategic growth.
YOUR NEW ROLE
This is a pivotal, business-critical hire. You will take full operational control of the company, effectively running the business day-to-day on behalf of the Directors, while they step back into a more strategic, ownership-level role. You do not need to be scaffolding-trained or site-based full time, but you must have genuine, credible experience of running a scaffolding or access solutions business, or of leading operations within one at a senior level. Please note that candidates without hands-on scaffolding sector knowledge will not be considered.
Key responsibilities include:
- Taking overall operational ownership of the business, including day-to-day decision-making across contracts, resourcing, commercial performance and compliance
- Managing and developing the operations, commercial, design and site management teams, setting clear structure, accountability and performance standards
- Overseeing the live project pipeline to ensure jobs are delivered safely, on time, to specification and on budget
- Working closely with the Directors on commercial strategy, pricing, margin control and growth planning
- Owning health & safety, compliance and quality standards across all projects, ensuring accreditation and industry standards (e.g. CHAS, TG20, NASC guidance) are consistently met
- Building and protecting relationships with key clients, main contractors and supply chain partners
- Improving internal systems, processes and reporting to support a scaling business
- Supporting recruitment, retention and development of scaffolders and support staff as the team grows
- Acting as a key point of escalation for operational issues, freeing the Directors to focus on strategic priorities
ABOUT YOU
- Proven track record running or senior-managing a scaffolding, access solutions or specialist temporary works contractor – this is non-negotiable
- Strong commercial acumen, comfortable owning P&L responsibility and margin performance
- Confident, credible leader who can manage and develop teams across operations, commercial and site functions
- Solid working knowledge of scaffolding health & safety, compliance and industry standards
- Experience managing multiple live projects and client relationships simultaneously
- Comfortable operating at a senior, semi-autonomous level, reporting directly into company Directors
- Based within a commutable distance of London/the Home Counties, with flexibility to be in the office regularly (Chelmsford, Kensington or Harrow) as needed
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- £90,000 basic salary, with a benefits package to be discussed at interview
- A genuinely senior, high-impact role with real autonomy and influence over the direction of the business
- The opportunity to step into a business that is already established, profitable and growing, rather than a turnaround or start-up situation
- Hybrid working, you will not be required on-site every day, but flexibility to attend company offices as needed is essential
- Direct access to, and partnership with, the company's ownership
General Manager employer: Equal Resourcing
Join a dynamic and growing multi-disciplinary consultancy in Leeds, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful structural projects from concept to construction. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while offering excellent benefits and professional development opportunities to help you grow your career. With a focus on mentorship and team success, we ensure that every employee feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General 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 Equal Resourcing, 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 at Equal Resourcing.
We think you need these skills to ace General 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 Equal Resourcing
✨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!
