Our client, a large, well-established civil engineering company based in the Glasgow area, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Civils Site Manager. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role, ensuring that contracts are delivered safely, efficiently, and profitably, in line with company standards and client expectations.
About the Role
Our client, a leading civil engineering contractor operating across Scotland, is seeking an experienced and driven Site Agent to join their growing Water & Wastewater delivery team.
This role will play a critical part in the successful delivery of capital infrastructure projects, ensuring works are completed safely, efficiently, on programme, and within budget. The successful candidate will provide leadership across multiple schemes, managing operational teams, subcontractors, stakeholders, and clients whilst maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, environmental and quality compliance.This position would suit an experienced civil engineering professional with a strong background delivering complex infrastructure projects and the ability to proactively manage risk, programme, and client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Programme Delivery
- Lead the safe and successful delivery of water, wastewater and civil engineering projects.
- Take ownership of project programmes, ensuring key milestones and client deliverables are achieved.
- Monitor progress against the programme and implement corrective actions where required.
- Coordinate labour, plant, materials and subcontractor resources to ensure efficient project execution.
- Drive productivity and programme performance across multiple work streams.
Site Leadership & Operations
- Manage site teams and supervisory staff, promoting a positive and high-performing culture.
- Ensure full compliance with SHEQ policies, procedures and industry best practice.
- Conduct regular site inspections, audits and safety reviews.
- Manage subcontractor performance, ensuring adherence to scope, programme and quality expectations.
- Oversee temporary works, private land access requirements and highway possessions.
Commercial & Risk Management
- Manage project costs and resource utilisation to maximise profitability.
- Identify, monitor and mitigate project risks throughout the project life cycle.
- Ensure risks, delays and commercial impacts are effectively communicated and managed.
- Raise Early Warning Notices (EWNs) and support the management of compensation events where required.
- Contribute to forecasting, budgeting and cost control measures.
Stakeholder & Client Management
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, local authorities, statutory bodies, supply chain partners and internal teams.
- Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders throughout project delivery.
- Manage community engagement and public liaison activities where required.
- Ensure client expectations are understood and consistently exceeded.
Self-Delivery & Problem-Solving
- Support and manage self-delivery workforces where applicable.
- Work collaboratively with project teams to overcome technical and operational challenges.
- Demonstrate a proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across projects and operational processes.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Civil Engineering degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification.
- Significant experience within civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
- Proven experience in a Site Agent, Site Manager or equivalent delivery role.
- Strong programme management and project planning capabilities.
- Demonstrable experience managing project risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Excellent stakeholder and client management skills.
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, environmental and quality standards.
- Experience managing subcontractors and site-based delivery teams.
- Commercial awareness with experience of cost control and project reporting.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Water and wastewater infrastructure experience.
- Experience of self-delivery construction operations.
- SMSTS and First Aid certification.
- NRSWA Supervisor qualification.
- Knowledge of NEC contracts.
- Temporary Works Coordinator qualification.
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Highly organised with excellent planning capability.
- Commercially astute and delivery focused.
- Proactive and adaptable approach to project challenges.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
- Collaborative and relationship-focused with a client-centric approach.
- Driven, motivated and committed to delivering successful project outcomes.
Benefits
- Company Car or Car Allowance
- Fuel Card
- Pension Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Retail Discount Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Enhanced Family Leave Policies
- Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Reward & Recognition Programme
- EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Right to WorkVisa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must have an unrestricted Right to Work in the UK.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Agent - Civils in Glasgow
✨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 Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers, 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 Site Agent - Civils at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers.
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 Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers
✨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!
