Site Manager - Southend-on-Sea

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Working Hours: Full-Time, 7:30am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday

Duration: Fixed Term Contract (March 2026 until approx. December 2027)

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 (dependent on experience)

Join Kensa and lead the delivery of one of the city’s most transformative housing upgrade projects. Kensa is delivering a major upgrade to homes on the Balmoral estate, installing new ground source heat pump systems that will reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions, and provide modern, efficient heating for residents. This significant investment will support long‑term energy stability for tenants while contributing to the city’s climate commitments.

About the role

We’re seeking a Site Manager to oversee day‑to‑day delivery of the Balmoral estate retrofit programme. This includes managing the installation of Ground Source Heat Pump systems across multiple occupied properties, supervising trades and subcontractors, maintaining compliance and safety standards, and ensuring smooth communication with residents throughout the works. This role requires a Site Manager with strong Health & Safety leadership, extensive experience managing large or complex sites, and a clear civils bias, including oversight of drilling and groundworks operations. You will ensure activities are coordinated efficiently, risks are managed, and project milestones are achieved to a high standard while fostering strong relationships with the Council, residents, and delivery partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on‑site health and safety in accordance with CDM 2015 and Kensa procedures.
• Coordinate drilling, mechanical, and internal fit‑out teams across the estate.
• Conduct site inductions, toolbox talks, and safety briefings.
• Review and manage RAMS, method statements, and construction phase plans.
• Track progress, manage the programme, and oversee critical path activities.
• Act as Temporary Works Co‑ordinator to ensure safe and compliant temporary installations.
• Supervise subcontractors and resolve operational challenges swiftly and effectively.
• Ensure quality assurance processes, inspections, and commissioning records are completed accurately.
• Operate necessary permit‑to‑work systems and ensure compliance on site.
• Work closely with the resident‑liaison team to support tenants throughout the transition to new heating systems.
• Oversee significant civils works including drilling operations, groundworks, external civils and infrastructure activities.
• Drive a proactive, safety‑first culture on a large multi‑contractor site with high‑risk activities.

What you bring

• Experience delivering retrofit projects in occupied properties, ideally including M&E and groundwork elements.
• Strong working knowledge of H&S legislation and best practice.
• SMSTS certification (essential).
• Temporary Works Co‑ordinator certification and experience (essential).
• Valid CSCS card.
• In‑date First Aid at Work certification.
• Confident using digital site management and reporting systems.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A valid DBS check or willingness to obtain one.
• Demonstrable experience managing large‑scale, civils‑heavy construction environments with multiple subcontractor teams.
• A proven track record of strong H&S leadership on complex or high‑risk sites.

Why This Project Matters

This upgrade will introduce Ground Source Heat Pumps that use renewable heat from beneath the ground, delivering low‑carbon, energy‑efficient heating and hot water to Balmoral estate residents. The project will stabilise long‑term energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and support the council’s ambition to create a greener, more resilient housing stock. As Site Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of these benefits to residents.

What success looks like

• Safe and compliant site operations with no major incidents.
• Programme milestones achieved with minimal disruption to residents.
• High‑quality workmanship and accurate documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Strong site culture built on safety, respect, and clear communication.
• Effective subcontractor performance and collaboration.

What we offer

• Career Development: Tailored learning opportunities including internal training and mentoring.
• Wellbeing Support: Free 24/7 access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to 30 days after five years’ service.
• Private Healthcare: Access to private health insurance after one year of service.
• Pension Scheme: Company pension with employer contributions to help you plan for the future.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Stay active and reduce your carbon footprint with our green travel initiative.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a purpose‑driven team passionate about sustainability, innovation, and creating change.
• Innovation & Growth: Bring your ideas to life in a dynamic environment where challenge and opportunity go hand in hand.

Ready to Apply? If you’re motivated by delivering meaningful change and want to be part of a major housing upgrade that will directly improve residents’ lives, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us deliver a fairer, greener future – home by home.