Overview of Business Our client is a well-established residential developer delivering high-quality homes across London and the South East. With a strong reputation for quality, delivery and customer satisfaction, the business specialises in apartment-led and mixed-tenure developments, supported by robust construction processes and a collaborative culture. They are currently delivering a major residential scheme in West London, with a significant new mixed-tenure development due to commence in Surrey. As part of their continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Project Lead to oversee the successful completion of one project and lead the mobilisation and delivery of the next. Job Description As Project Lead, you will take ownership of the successful delivery of two major residential developments, ensuring programme, quality, health & safety, and customer objectives are achieved. Initially focused on the fit-out, completion and handover of a large apartment scheme in West London, you will then transition to leading the mobilisation and construction of a 288-home mixed-tenure development in Hersham. Key responsibilities include: * Lead the completion, fit-out and handover of a major residential apartment development. * Manage site teams, subcontractors and stakeholders to ensure delivery milestones are achieved. * Mobilise and drive the delivery of a new mixed-tenure residential scheme. * Maintain and monitor build programmes, short-term look-ahead plans and risk mitigation strategies. * Champion quality standards through inspections, audits and effective defect management. * Ensure compliance with all health & safety legislation, site procedures and company policies. * Manage subcontractor performance and maintain delivery momentum across all phases of construction. * Work closely with technical, commercial and customer service teams to achieve seamless project delivery and handovers. * Maintain accurate reporting, site documentation and compliance records. * Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, consultants and external stakeholders. Essential Experience * Proven track record delivering residential developments, ideally traditional build schemes. * Strong apartment-led project experience, including fit-out and finishing phases. * Excellent understanding of construction sequencing, programme management and subcontractor coordination. * Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation and site compliance requirements. * Demonstrable leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and project demands. * Experience working on complex, fast-paced residential developments. * Organised, commercially aware and delivery-focused approach. Benefits * Competitive Salary * £8,500 Car Allowance * 10% Performance Bonus * Private Healthcare * Pension Scheme Don't meet all of the above requirements? Harken Search are committed to championing inclusive and diverse recruitment, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles. Why us? As well as championing inclusive and diverse recruitment, we donate 10% of all profits to our partner charities. We thank both our candidates and clients for supporting us in making a positive difference to those impacted by these charities. We welcome feedback on our processes
Project Lead in Surrey employer: Harken Search Ltd
As a Senior Technical Manager with our North London residential development partner, you will join a company that prioritises safety, compliance, and high-quality technical governance. The work culture fosters collaboration with external experts and internal teams, ensuring your contributions are valued and impactful. With competitive salaries, bonuses, healthcare, and pension benefits, this role offers not just a job, but a pathway for professional growth in a supportive environment dedicated to excellence in fire remediation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Lead in Surrey
✨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 Harken Search Ltd, 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 Project Lead at Harken Search Ltd.
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 Harken Search Ltd
✨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!
