At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative construction projects transforming empty spaces into affordable homes.
- Company: Join Habitat for Humanity GB, a global leader in fighting poverty and homelessness.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Great Britain and a focus on social impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in construction project management and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Head of Construction (Feasibility & Delivery) is a leadership and technical role responsible for the end-to-end development, delivery and stewardship of Habitat GB's construction and property portfolio. This is a full-time (37.5 hours) home-based role with regular travel, fixed term for 2 years.
Key responsibilities include strategic planning and technical leadership for core aspects of Habitat GB's domestic programme, such as the construction project pipeline associated with our Empty Spaces to Homes (ES2H) programme. The postholder will lead the feasibility, design, costing, procurement and delivery of demonstration construction projects, primarily the conversion of empty commercial and retail buildings into high-quality, affordable homes, while also ensuring the safe, compliant operation and maintenance of HFHGB-owned, leased and operated properties, including ReStore sites. The Head of Construction (Feasibility & Delivery) is also responsible for the people management of staff, contractors and consultants and (where relevant) volunteers.
Key areas of risk management that sit within the portfolio of this role include project and site health & safety, compliance and asset maintenance. This role is central to translating Habitat GB's mission and strategy into high-quality, buildable, scalable projects that maximise social impact.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
- Construction & Programme Delivery
- Lead the planning, design and delivery of Habitat GB's demonstration construction projects within the ES2H programme.
- Contribute technical leadership to programme strategy, performance monitoring, evaluation and learning.
- Work collaboratively with other ES2H workstreams (Advocacy, Research, Scalability) to ensure projects inform and support wider systems change.
- Provide expert construction input into organisational decision-making, risk management, and strategy implementation.
- Building Pipeline Development & Feasibility
- Lead the identification, assessment and prioritisation of potential conversion opportunities across Great Britain.
- Conduct frequent site visits to assess empty or underutilised commercial buildings.
- Undertake and/or oversee:
- Building diagnostics and technical surveys
- Early identification of structural, asbestos, planning, fire and compliance risks
- Location-based risk profiling (logistics, supply chains, neighbourhood constraints)
- Act as the organisation's technical authority on building viability and conversion risk.
- Design, Specification & Cost Leadership
- Develop initial design concepts, spatial layouts and performance specifications that balance cost-efficiency, compliance, buildability and the dignity of residents.
- Ensure all designs meet relevant statutory and organisational requirements, including:
- UK Building Regulations
- Fire safety and CDM 2015
- Sustainability and environmental standards
- Provide client side cost leadership and quantity surveying oversight across projects, including:
- Preparing feasibility cost models, early stage estimates and robust construction budgets
- Assessing and benchmarking contractor quotations and negotiating best value outcomes aligned with charitable objectives
- Maintaining effective cost control and financial visibility throughout delivery
- Lead the appointment and management of architects, planning consultants and specialist technical advisors as required.
- Construction Delivery, Contractor & Site Management
- Identify, appoint and manage contractors, subcontractors and consultants on a project-by-project basis.
- Ensure projects are delivered: safely; to specification; on time and within approved budgets.
- Combine on-site leadership with remote project management, using digital tools, dashboards and reporting systems.
- Maintain a national overview of live and pipeline projects, providing the Executive Team with clear, real-time updates on milestones, risks, spend and cashflow, and delivery confidence.
- Health, Safety & Risk Management
- Be responsible for Health & Safety across Habitat GB's construction and property portfolio.
- Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, including CDM 2015.
- Oversee:
- Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
- Training and inductions
- Incident reporting and corrective actions
- Ensure a strong safety culture across construction sites and property sites, working closely with the Site & Property Maintenance Officer to deliver their responsibilities successfully and safely.
- Work with colleagues to ensure appropriate insurances are in place.
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Own construction and maintenance budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money.
- Lead procurement processes for works, materials, and equipment.
- Work closely with Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, cost tracking, and timely payment of invoices.
- Maintain robust project management tools, trackers, schedules, and cost sheets.
- Provide regular input into organisational performance reporting, risk registers, and assurance processes.
- People Leadership & Culture
- Line-manage and support direct reports, setting clear objectives, and providing regular supervision and development.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing, values-driven team and contractor network.
- Ensure good practice management of consultants, contractors and volunteers.
- Role model Habitat GB's values, including commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.
Person profile:
- Extensive experience in UK construction project management, particularly refurbishment and conversion projects, with responsibility spanning early feasibility through to delivery.
- Strong technical understanding of:
- UK Building Regulations and fire safety requirements
- Permitted Development rights and planning constraints
- Health & Safety management, including CDM 2015
- Strong client-side commercial judgement, with proven ability to develop feasibility cost models, set and manage construction budgets, and maintain effective cost control across projects.
- Demonstrated experience appointing and managing contractors, consultants and procurement processes to deliver best-value outcomes.
- Strong leadership and people management experience, including the ability to lead teams, contractors and consultants with credibility and clarity.
- Relevant construction or built-environment qualification, or equivalent senior professional experience (e.g. MCIOB, MRICS or similar).
- Valid CSCS card.
- Recognised Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH or SMSTS).
- Full UK driving licence.
Skills and competencies:
- Technically confident and commercially astute, with the ability to exercise sound professional judgement and make high-quality decisions in complex or ambiguous situations.
- Comfortable operating across strategic leadership and hands-on problem solving, particularly within refurbishment and conversion projects.
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively across multiple concurrent workstreams, sites and geographies.
- Confident and collaborative communicator, able to work productively with internal teams, partners, volunteers, contractors and external stakeholders.
- Willing and able to travel extensively across Great Britain in support of project development and delivery.
Head of Construction in London employer: Habitat for Humanity GB
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful construction projects that transform empty spaces into affordable homes across Great Britain. With a strong commitment to social impact, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in the construction sector. The home-based role allows for flexibility while engaging in meaningful work that directly contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Construction in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend construction events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Construction role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects, especially those involving refurbishment and conversion. Highlight your leadership skills and technical knowledge to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research Habitat GB’s mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice common interview questions and prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Habitat GB team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Construction in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in construction project management, especially in refurbishment and conversion projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Habitat GB!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Construction, you'll be leading teams and managing contractors. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully motivated teams in the past. We love seeing examples of strong people management!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff. Less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Habitat for Humanity GB
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK construction regulations, especially those related to refurbishment and conversion projects. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the Empty Spaces to Homes programme and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Construction, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, contractors, and consultants in past projects. Highlight your approach to motivating and developing high-performing teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical expertise, particularly around health and safety management, cost control, and risk assessment. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like project management and compliance. Use examples to illustrate your points and engage with your interviewers to show your collaborative spirit.
