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: Flexible home-based role with travel, competitive salary, and strong career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to impact social change and build a better future.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in UK construction project management and strong leadership skills 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.
- 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.
- Provide client side cost leadership and quantity surveying oversight across projects.
- 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.
- 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).
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Own construction and maintenance budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money.
- Lead procurement processes for works, materials, and equipment.
- 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.
Person profile:
- Extensive experience in UK construction project management, particularly refurbishment and conversion projects.
- Strong technical understanding of UK Building Regulations and fire safety requirements.
- Demonstrated experience appointing and managing contractors, consultants and procurement processes to deliver best-value outcomes.
- Strong leadership and people management experience.
- Relevant construction or built-environment qualification, or equivalent senior professional experience (e.g. MCIOB, MRICS or similar).
- Valid CSCS card and recognised Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH or SMSTS).
- Full UK driving licence.
Skills and competencies:
- Technically confident and commercially astute.
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively across multiple concurrent workstreams, sites and geographies.
- Confident and collaborative communicator.
- Willing and able to travel extensively across Great Britain in support of project development and delivery.
Head of Construction in Romford 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. With a strong commitment to social impact, a collaborative work culture, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful difference in communities across Great Britain. The home-based role allows for flexibility while engaging in regular travel, ensuring a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Construction in Romford
✨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 hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those related to refurbishment and conversion. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and projects in the past, and don’t forget to highlight your understanding of UK Building Regulations and health & safety standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Habitat GB’s mission to create affordable homes.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Construction in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Construction role. Highlight your experience in construction project management, especially in refurbishment and conversion projects, to show us you’re the right fit!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams and managed contractors in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team, as this is key for us at Habitat GB.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in past roles, as this will show your technical expertise and understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams, contractors, and consultants. Discuss how you've motivated your team and ensured project delivery while maintaining a strong safety culture. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you convey your ability to lead effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to risk management, compliance, and project delivery. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Align with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with Habitat GB's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around social impact and community development. Showing that you're passionate about their cause can set you apart from other candidates.
