At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a flagship life sciences project, managing site operations and subcontractors.
- Company: Respected Berkshire-based contractor with a strong presence in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and progression into Project Management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative life sciences developments while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Site Manager with a track record in complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Are you a Senior Site Manager looking for the opportunity to play a leading role on one of Oxford's most significant life sciences developments?
Hays Construction are working with a well-established Berkshire-based main contractor that continues to secure high-profile projects across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley region. With a strong order book and a reputation for delivering complex projects valued between £20m and £50m, they are now looking to appoint a Senior Site Manager for a flagship £40 million life sciences scheme in Oxford.
This is not a standard new build project. The development combines the extensive refurbishment and transformation of existing buildings alongside the construction of new state-of-the-art facilities within a live and highly technical environment. Once complete, the scheme will provide cutting-edge research, laboratory and innovation space for the growing life sciences sector. The project presents all the challenges that experienced construction professionals enjoy, including complex logistics, phased delivery, significant M&E integration, high-specification internal finishes and the coordination of multiple subcontractors across both refurbishment and new build workstreams.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to an experienced Project Manager, you will operate as the site's number two and become a key member of the project leadership team. You will have genuine ownership and responsibility rather than simply managing a package in isolation. The successful candidate will be heavily involved in:
- Day-to-day management of site operations
- Driving programme and production targets
- Managing subcontractors across multiple work fronts
- Coordinating structural, envelope and internal fit-out packages
- Ensuring high safety, quality and environmental standards
- Leading site meetings and progress reviews
- Problem-solving and maintaining programme momentum
- Liaising with consultants, design teams and client representatives
- Supporting project planning, sequencing and delivery strategy
- Mentoring and developing junior members of the site team
About the Contractor
The business has established itself as one of the region's most respected contractors, delivering projects across:
- Life Sciences
- Commercial
- Education
- Healthcare
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Research & Development Facilities
Their projects typically range from £20m to £50m, and they have a particularly strong presence throughout Oxford, Reading, Newbury, Bracknell and the wider Thames Valley. They are known for retaining their staff, promoting from within and providing long-term career progression rather than expecting individuals to move from project to project without development opportunities.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Senior Site Manager or experienced Site Manager with a main contractor
- Track record delivering projects valued £20m+
- Experience on complex refurbishment and new build schemes
- Strong knowledge of structural works, building envelope and internal fit-out packages
- Previous exposure to life sciences, healthcare, laboratory, commercial or technically complex projects would be highly advantageous
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to drive programme whilst maintaining quality and safety standards
- SMSTS, CSCS and First Aid qualifications
Salary & Benefits
- £70,000 - £80,000 basic salary
- Car allowance
- Performance-related bonus
- Pension contribution
- Private healthcare
- Life assurance
- Ongoing professional development
- Genuine opportunity to progress into Project Management
How to Apply
If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please apply below or contact James Mitchell at Hays Southampton for a confidential conversation.
Senior Site Manager in Oxford employer: Hays Construction and Property
Join a leading MEP consultancy in Antrim that prioritises innovation and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where your growth is nurtured through structured training and mentorship. As a Junior Sustainability Engineer, you'll engage in diverse projects while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a clear pathway to advance your career in building sustainability.
Contact Details:
Hays Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Site Manager in Oxford
✨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 Hays Construction and Property, 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 Senior Site Manager at Hays Construction and Property.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Site Manager in Oxford
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 Hays Construction and Property
✨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!
