At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major construction project, ensuring quality and safety while managing subcontractors.
- Company: Join a Tier 1 principal contractor on a flagship £300 million development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £65K-£75K, permanent contract, and full-time hours.
- Other info: Ideal for practical professionals ready to drive productivity and quality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a high-profile project with strong leadership opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in site management and a strong trade background.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Cardiff
Salary: 65K-75K per Year
Contract: Permanent
Type: Full Time
Reference: SCM-WM_1792505797
Posted: October 20, 2026
Are you a hands-on construction professional who has worked your way up from the tools, through a Foreman or Works Manager role, into Site Management? We're looking for an experienced Senior Site Manager to join a Tier 1 principal contractor on a major flagship project valued at approximately 300 million. This is an opportunity to work on a high-profile, large-scale development where programme delivery, productivity, quality and health and safety are critical. We're particularly interested in individuals with a strong trade-based background and proven experience managing complex internal packages on major construction projects.
The Role
As Senior Site Manager, you will take responsibility for driving the delivery of internal works packages, ensuring activities are completed safely, to programme and to the highest quality standards. Working within a major project environment, you'll coordinate subcontractors, manage site teams and drive productivity across multiple work fronts. You'll need to be proactive, commercially aware and confident in maintaining control of programme milestones while ensuring quality and safety remain front and centre.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Delivery: Drive progress against key milestones, ensuring internal packages are delivered to programme and delays are proactively managed.
- Internal Packages: Oversee the delivery of complex internal works, coordinating multiple trades and subcontractors to achieve efficient sequencing and high-quality finishes.
- Productivity: Maximise workforce productivity, manage labour allocation and ensure site resources are used effectively.
- Health & Safety: Maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring all site activities comply with project requirements and statutory obligations.
- Quality Control: Drive quality standards, manage inspections and ensure works are completed right first time.
- Subcontractor Management: Coordinate subcontractors, monitor performance and hold teams accountable for delivery.
- Site Leadership: Lead by example, maintaining a visible site presence and building strong working relationships with site teams and project management.
- Coordination & Reporting: Work closely with the wider project team to resolve construction issues, manage interfaces and maintain programme momentum.
What We're Looking For
This role is suited to a practical, delivery-focused construction professional who understands how work gets done on site and knows how to get the best out of trades and subcontractors.
Essential experience:
- Proven experience as a Site Manager or Senior Site Manager on major construction projects.
- Previous experience working for a Tier 1 principal contractor.
- A background progressing from the trades into a Foreman, Works Manager and subsequently Site Management role.
- Strong experience delivering internal packages on large-scale construction schemes.
- A proven ability to drive programme, productivity, health and safety, and quality.
- Experience coordinating multiple subcontractors and managing complex construction interfaces.
- Strong leadership skills, with the confidence to challenge under performance and maintain delivery standards.
- Experience on projects of significant scale and complexity is essential. This is not a role for someone whose experience is limited to smaller developments or straightforward fit-out projects.
Why Apply?
You'll be joining a major flagship scheme with a circa 300 million project value, working alongside an established Tier 1 contractor on a project where delivery standards, leadership and technical understanding really matter. If you're a Site Manager with a strong trade background, excellent knowledge of internal packages and the experience to deliver within a major project environment, we want to hear from you.
Construction Senior Site Manager in Cardiff employer: Fawkes & Reece
Fawkes & Reece is an exceptional employer for those looking to thrive in the recruitment industry, particularly within the vibrant Northampton area. With a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth, employees benefit from comprehensive training, an uncapped commission structure, and a supportive team culture that values relationships and results. The company also offers attractive perks such as quarterly bonuses and exclusive discounts, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Senior Site Manager in Cardiff
✨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 Fawkes & Reece, 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 Construction Senior Site Manager at Fawkes & Reece.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Senior Site Manager in Cardiff
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 Fawkes & Reece
✨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!
