Head of Construction

Overview

This role supports the Stansted Airport Transformation capital development programme critical to the airport’s long-term growth, safety, and resilience ensuring valuable infrastructure and assets are completed on time, to budget, and in full compliance with regulations. As Head of Construction, you’ll be involved across the entire project lifecycle, from the earliest concept and business case through to delivery and handover. Working in close partnership with Project Managers, you will guide projects through the RIBA design stages, lead technical reviews, manage key milestones and integrate stakeholder input. You’ll balance technical and commercial considerations to deliver projects of the highest standard, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance remain at the forefront.

Programme scope

The programme spans a wide range of technical and functional areas, including utilities infrastructure (HV/LV Electrical, Water, Gas, Aviation Fuel, Drainage, and IT), baggage handling systems, airfield ground lighting, and fire and life safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe and high-quality construction activities on-site, offering guidance on design decisions, contractor selection, testing and asset handover, while ensuring all work is delivered to programme and without disruption to daily airport operations.
• Review pre-construction information, advise Project Managers on health and safety hazard documentation, and maintain effective communication between airport teams.
• Support Project Managers in developing scope documents and work packages, ensuring all requirements are clearly defined and achievable.

What will make you successful

• Significant experience delivering complex projects within operational, regulated environments.
• At least 10 years’ proven expertise in construction management across Building, Fit-Out, MEP, and Specialist Systems.
• Experience leading construction, testing, commissioning, and handover of major infrastructure projects from concept through delivery.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, professionals, and contractors.
• Proven planning and organisational abilities to track projects against schedule, budget and quality requirements.
• Resilience and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Attention to detail, with experience in inspections, contract management, and compliance with health and safety legislation and building regulations.
• Proficiency with project management tools and software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments

MAG believes in diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are committed to well-being with a focus on mental health and supporting colleagues from underrepresented groups through our Colleague Resource Groups. As a Disability Confident employer we are committed to creating an environment where candidates and employees can perform at their optimum. Please let us know if we can provide you with any reasonable adjustments to aid your application or interview process. You can contact the team by emailing HR.Recruitment@MAGAirports.com.

• Our Colleague Resource Groups include: Women’s Network, Embrace – Race & Ethnicity Group, Fly With Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mental Health, Parent & Carers, Disabilities including neurodiversity.