Senior Site Manager (Design & Build)

Senior Site Manager (Design & Build)

Freelance 30000 - 33500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-end commercial fit-out projects and manage site operations from start to finish.
  • Company: Established design & build contractor with a focus on quality and safety.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, long-term freelance opportunity, and dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of exciting projects in the heart of London and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Senior Site Manager in commercial fit-out.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33500 £ per year.

Location: City of London

Salary: £300.00- £335.00 per Day

Contract: Contract

Type: Full Time

Reference: FR-DR-070904_1788781441

Posted: September 7, 2026

We are recruiting an experienced Senior Site Manager / Number 1 Site Manager for a long-term freelance opportunity with an established design & build contractor delivering high-end commercial fit-out projects across London. This is a genuine Number 1 on Site position. A Project Manager will lead the client-facing and commercial side, but the Senior Site Manager will have full day-to-day accountability for the physical delivery of the project. You will take ownership of the site from mobilisation through to completion, driving the programme, managing subcontractors, coordinating trades and ensuring the works are delivered safely, to the required quality and on time.

Responsibilities:

  • Full day-to-day responsibility for site delivery
  • Lead and manage all subcontractors and site activities
  • Drive the programme and coordinate short-term works
  • Coordinate design information and resolve technical issues
  • Manage quality, inspections, snagging and handover
  • Ensure RAMS, permits, ITPs and site documentation are maintained
  • Coordinate MEP, finishes, partitions, ceilings, joinery and specialist packages
  • Chair site meetings and coordinate the wider site team
  • Maintain high standards of health & safety and housekeeping
  • Work closely with the Project Manager whilst taking ownership of the site operation

Requirements:

  • Proven experience as a Number 1 / Senior Site Manager within commercial fit-out
  • Strong Design & Build / CAT A / CAT B experience
  • Experience delivering high-end London office or commercial interiors

Senior Site Manager (Design & Build) employer: Fawkes and Reece

Fawkes and Reece is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development. Located in Cheshire, employees benefit from a collaborative environment where growth opportunities are abundant, alongside competitive benefits that enhance work-life balance. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises employee satisfaction and meaningful contributions.

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Contact Details:

Fawkes and Reece Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Site Manager (Design & Build)

Join Local Construction Groups

Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.

Show Off Your Work

Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!

Network at Construction Events

Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.

Utilise Online Freelance Platforms

Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Site Manager (Design & Build)

Site Management
Project Delivery
Subcontractor Management
Programme Management
Technical Issue Resolution
Quality Control
Health & Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Fawkes and Reece.

Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.

Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Fawkes and Reece know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.

Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes and Reece

Showcase Your Project Portfolio

For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!

Know Your Tools and Techniques

Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Practical Questions

During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.

Pitch Your Rates and Work Style

As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Fawkes and Reece. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!