At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on-site construction for high-value projects in a dynamic refinery environment.
- Company: Join EET, a leader in low carbon fuels and energy transition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a supportive and safety-focused culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while leading innovative construction projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in large-scale industrial or energy projects and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Stanlow Manufacturing Complex, Ellesmere Port
Employment Type: Site Based Full Time Role 5 days per week Monday-Friday
Competitive salary
10% company contribution pension
25 days holiday, increasing with service
Private medical insurance
Additional flex benefits, including holiday purchase
Access to Employee Assistance Programme with exclusive access to a range of Discounts
Free secure on-site car parking
About the Company
EET (Essar Energy Transition) vision is to be the leading producer of low carbon fuels and establish a blueprint energy transition hub in the North West. EET plays a major role in supplying the Northwest and the wider UK with essential fuels. We produce over 16% of the UK’s road transport fuels, supply key feedstocks to the petrochemical industry, and are investing heavily in low‑carbon energy solutions. We work with major retail fuel brands, supermarkets, Manchester Airport, leading airlines, and regional transport operators. We are also a key partner in the HyNet project, helping to deliver the region’s low‑carbon future. With over 900 skilled colleagues, we offer a strong safety culture, technically challenging work, and some of the best training in the energy sector.
About the Role
As Head of Construction and Enabling – UK CAPEX Projects, you will lead all on-site construction delivery across a portfolio of high-value EPC projects within a live refinery environment. You will take full accountability for construction execution — from enabling works through to handover — ensuring projects are delivered safely, to specification, and on schedule. This role requires strong leadership across complex, multi-contractor sites, with a particular focus on managing interfaces, sequencing work in brownfield conditions, and maintaining compliance within a COMAH-regulated environment. Act as a key interface with regulatory bodies including HSE and relevant authorities during inspections, audits, and project assurance activities. You will also deputise for the Head of UK Project Delivery when required, maintaining continuity across project delivery functions.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Leading multi-disciplinary construction (civil, mechanical, E&I) across multiple sites
- Managing contractor performance, safety, and delivery against programme
- Drive construction commercial performance including change control, claims management, and alignment with contract strategy
- Overseeing enabling works and site readiness for construction execution
- Accountable for all aspects of compliance with CDM 2015, COMAH, and UK HSE standards
- Resolving complex site issues, risks, and interface challenges including SIMOPS
- Ensure robust temporary works governance
- Lead construction input into commissioning
- Supporting wider project leadership and stakeholder alignment when deputising
About You
You are an experienced construction leader with a strong track record delivering large-scale industrial or energy projects in live UK operating environments. You bring credibility on-site, with the ability to lead contractors, influence outcomes, and maintain control across complex, fast-moving project delivery. You combine deep technical construction knowledge with practical problem-solving and a strong focus on safety, quality, and delivery performance.
You will bring:
- Extensive experience leading EPC construction on large industrial or energy projects
- Strong working knowledge of COMAH, CDM 2015, and UK construction standards
- Proven ability to manage multiple contractors and site interfaces simultaneously
- Experience delivering projects in brownfield or operational sites
- Confidence in driving safety culture, audits, and QA/QC processes (ITPs, inspections, punch lists)
- Commercial awareness and experience managing construction budgets
You are comfortable operating under pressure, making decisions that balance safety, cost, and schedule, and leading teams through critical delivery phases such as turnaround and commissioning.
Application Process
This vacancy will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks and will remain open to applications until an offer has been made and accepted. Therefore, the vacancy may close at any time after 15th July 2026, and we encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible.
Head of Construction and Enabling employer: Essar Oil Uk
EET (Essar Energy Transition) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port. With a strong commitment to safety and employee development, we provide competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme. Our culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector while contributing to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Construction and Enabling
✨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 Essar Oil Uk, 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 Head of Construction and Enabling at Essar Oil Uk.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Construction and Enabling
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 Essar Oil Uk
✨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!