CSA Construction Manager Data Centre | Essex | Freelance £400 - £500 per day This is a role for a CSA Construction Manager who understands that data centre delivery is won or lost in the details. You will be joining a major data centre scheme where the civil, structural and architectural works need to be properly managed around a fast-moving M&E programme. This is not a straightforward build package where you can work in isolation. Every opening, plinth, riser, fire stop, access route, floor, wall, door and finish has a knock-on effect on mechanical, electrical, commissioning and handover. The project needs someone who can take ownership on site, manage subcontractors properly and keep the CSA works moving without creating problems for the wider delivery team. You will be working closely with the project management team, M&E package leads, engineers, design managers, QA teams, commissioning teams and subcontractors. The job will suit someone who is comfortable walking the site daily, picking up issues early, pushing trades, checking quality and making sure works are delivered safely, cleanly and in line with programme. This would suit a CSA Construction Manager, CSA Package Manager, Site Manager, Site Agent or Construction Manager who has worked on data centres, industrial, pharmaceutical, healthcare, commercial, infrastructure or other technically detailed projects. Data centre experience would be ideal, but the key requirement is strong CSA delivery experience in a services-heavy environment. What you’ll be doing You will manage the day-to-day CSA delivery across a major data centre project. You will coordinate subcontractors across builders work, structural openings, penetrations, concrete works, plinths, supports, risers, blockwork, drylining, partitions, doors, access systems, raised floors, ceilings, finishes, external works, temporary works and associated making good. You will make sure CSA works are properly coordinated with mechanical, electrical, controls, fire stopping, commissioning and handover requirements. You will manage short-term lookaheads, labour planning, workface coordination, logistics constraints, site access, deliveries, permits, RAMS and subcontractor performance. You will walk the site daily, check progress, identify blockers and make sure subcontractors have the information, drawings, access and materials needed to keep moving. You will work closely with M&E Project Managers, Construction Managers, Engineers, Design Managers, QA teams, commissioning teams, commercial staff and client representatives. You will support design coordination and buildability reviews, especially where site conditions, service routes or builders work requirements do not match the drawings. You will keep control of QA records, inspections, snagging, Field View or similar site records, RFIs, technical queries, redline information and close-out documentation. You will manage the handover of CSA areas into M&E installation, commissioning and client inspections. You will make sure safety, housekeeping, quality and programme standards are maintained across your areas. What you’ll need You will need experience as a CSA Construction Manager, CSA Package Manager, Site Manager, Site Agent, Construction Manager or Project Manager on technically demanding construction projects. You should have strong civil, structural and architectural delivery experience, ideally within data centres, industrial, healthcare, pharmaceutical, commercial, infrastructure, energy, BESS, substation or other services-led environments. You will need a good understanding of builders work, structural openings, penetrations, risers, plant bases, plinths, supports, fire stopping, access routes, partitions, raised floors, ceilings, doors, finishes and external works. You should be comfortable managing subcontractors, checking quality, reviewing RAMS, dealing with permits, coordinating short-term programme and pushing works through to handover. You will need to understand how CSA works affect M&E delivery, especially around service routes, containment, plant access, fire strategy, commissioning, client inspections and handover. You should be confident reading drawings, identifying clashes, raising RFIs, dealing with technical queries and working with design and engineering teams. Experience with site systems such as Field View, Dalux, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Aconex, Asite, Viewpoint, Bluebeam or SharePoint would be useful. SMSTS, CSCS and First Aid would be expected. Temporary Works Coordinator or Temporary Works Supervisor would be beneficial, particularly where the role involves temporary openings, access, scaffolding, lifting interfaces, temporary protection or plant movement. Why this role This is a strong freelance opportunity on a major data centre project where the CSA works need proper site ownership. You will not be sitting in the background waiting for instructions. You will be expected to manage your areas, drive subcontractors, solve site problems and make sure the CSA delivery supports the wider M&E programme. For someone with strong CSA experience who wants to build further data centre exposure, this is the sort of project that strengthens a CV. The scale is there, the interfaces are there and the responsibility is real. You will be working in a high-value, technically demanding environment where quality, coordination, safety and handover all matter. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation
CSA Construction Manager - Data Centre in Harlow employer: James Lewis Recruitment
At James Lewis Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our West London location provides access to cutting-edge projects in the data centre sector, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities for professional development and advancement. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and car allowance, we are dedicated to supporting our team members both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
James Lewis Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CSA Construction Manager - Data Centre in Harlow
✨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 James Lewis Recruitment, 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 CSA Construction Manager - Data Centre at James Lewis Recruitment.
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 James Lewis Recruitment
✨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!
