General Foreman
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Start Date: 1st October 2026
Duration: 28 Weeks
Rate: £300 – £350 per day, depending on experience
Hours: Full-time, site-based
Job Overview
Ernest May are currently recruiting for an experienced General Foreman to join a major civils and infrastructure project in Felixstowe.
The project involves the removal of a large existing crane track used for container handling, followed by the installation of a new, significantly larger crane track. The works will include extensive groundworks, drainage, excavation, concrete and civils activities to prepare the site for the new crane infrastructure.
We are looking for a strong, experienced General Foreman who has a proven background managing large-scale civils, groundworks and infrastructure projects and is confident overseeing multiple teams and subcontractors in a busy working environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Overseeing day-to-day civils and groundworks operations on site
- Supervising and coordinating gangs, subcontractors and plant
- Managing excavation, earthworks, drainage and associated civils activities
- Coordinating the removal of the existing crane track
- Overseeing the installation of the new, larger crane track
- Ensuring works are completed safely, efficiently and to the required specification
- Reading and working from drawings, specifications and RAMS
- Setting out and checking works where required
- Monitoring productivity, quality and progress
- Coordinating labour, plant and materials
- Liaising with Site Managers, Project Managers, engineers and subcontractors
- Carrying out regular site inspections and ensuring a high standard of workmanship
- Maintaining strong health & safety standards across the site
- Reporting progress and any issues to the Site Management team
- Ensuring the project remains on programme and within the required standards
Requirements
The successful candidate will have:
- Proven experience working as a General Foreman / Civils Foreman on major construction or infrastructure projects
- Strong experience in civils and groundworks
- Previous experience overseeing drainage, excavation and large-scale groundworks
- Experience managing multiple gangs and subcontractors
- Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications
- Strong knowledge of construction health & safety requirements
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage a busy site environment
- A strong understanding of sequencing and coordinating civils works
Tickets / Qualifications
Candidates should hold the relevant industry qualifications and tickets expected of a General Foreman, ideally including:
- CSCS – Gold Card / relevant supervisory or management qualification
- SSSTS or SMSTS
- CPCS or NPORS where applicable
- First Aid
- CAT & Genny / service avoidance experience
- Any additional relevant civils, lifting, plant or site management qualifications would be advantageous
What We Offer
- £300 – £350 per day, depending on experience
- 28-week project
- Long-term work on a major infrastructure project
- Start date of 1st October 2026
- Opportunity to work on a large-scale and technically challenging civils package
If you are an experienced General Foreman with a strong civils and groundworks background and are looking for a long-term project in the Felixstowe area, we would be keen to hear from you.
General Foreman in Felixstowe employer: Ernest May Recruitment Careers
At Ernest May, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our team members benefit from competitive rates, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work on significant infrastructure projects in the vibrant location of Felixstowe. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your expertise is valued and your career can thrive.
Contact Details:
Ernest May Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Foreman in Felixstowe
✨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 Ernest May Recruitment Careers, 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 Foreman at Ernest May Recruitment Careers.
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 Ernest May Recruitment Careers
✨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!
