Head of Construction in St Albans

The Head of Construction will oversee all Development construction activities, including tendering projects, contractor engagement, overseeing on-site installations and managing the team of project managers. The role will coordinate project planning, upholding standards and ensure compliance with industry standards.

This is a nationwide role, working closely with the pre-construction team and managing delivery, with the Development Project Managers reporting directly into the role. The Head of Construction will manage processes, oversee the Development Project Managers, allocate responsibilities, and ensure the successful delivery of projects across multiple locations in the UK., Under the supervision of the Head of Property, the Head of Construction will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the full construction management of multiple national projects as allocated.
• Ensuring successful delivery of projects in line with agreed scope, budget, and timescales.
• Maintaining compliance with all HSE/CDM responsibilities, the Blue Book, and building regulations.
• Optimising processes and identifying efficiencies
• Ensuring continued best value to reduce capex across construction
• Working closely with the development surveyors to support projects entering detailed design and planning.
• Preparing and monitoring project costs for all elements of each installation, ensuring effective cost control.

Pre-Construction

• Reviewing detail design with Project Manager before tendering to ensure designs are compliant and cost effective. Ensure consistency across all projects.
• Reviewing tender returns with Project Mangers before appraisals are submitted for Exec approval
• Ensuring project managers are liaising with Principal Contractors, Principal Designers, petroleum officers, and MFG's key stakeholders before projects start on site.

Construction Phase

• Managing contractor relationships and ensuring Project Managers are adhering to safety performance, quality controls and safety audits.
• Ensuring Project Managers are reviewing and challenging contractor programmed to minimize site disruption.
• Ensuring that Project Managers schedule and complete stakeholder pre-start meetings
• Conducting regular site visits with Project Manager to ensure delivery standards are consistent
• Monitoring that Project Managers approve RAMS, audit contractors and issue permits
• Identifying and maximizing cost opportunities while minimizing downtime.
• Ensuring Tracked Final Accounts are always up to date during the construction phase.

Post-Construction

• Signing off project documentation and final accounts with Project Managers to ensure completeness and accuracy
• Monitoring and tracking snagging completion to ensure timely close-out of projects
• Completing regular project reviews with Development Project Managers, covering pre-construction preparation, project delivery progress, and post-construction close-out requirements

Development projects typically circa £500k to £2m. Delivery of circa 50 projects per annum.

Line management of Development Project Managers. Engagement with key stakeholders across the organization.

Other

• Field and office-based (Head Office or Home Office)- 2 days per week St Albans
• Regular travel and overnight stays required.
• Attendance at management, strategy, and planning meetings.

Work Context

• Operating within a petrol station environment in a highly competitive, price-driven market dominated by supermarkets and oil companies.
• Planning and executing projects effectively while adapting to changing circumstances.
• Maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and delivery.
• Applying technical expertise, sharing knowledge, and leveraging technology.
• Leading, motivating, and empowering staff while addressing performance issues.
• Building team spirit, resolving conflicts, and supporting collaboration.
• Taking initiative, making quick, clear decisions, and introducing process improvements.
• Establishing strong internal and external relationships with stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers.

Framework & Boundaries

• Ensure Development activities are delivered to the highest standard and within regulations.
• Ensure all significant works are effectively managed.
• Improve quality control across MFG assets.
• Support HSE with integrated management systems.
• Support purchase order and contractor management processes.
• Provide effective reporting on maintenance and development activities to stakeholders.

Ensure revenue streams are managed and developed. Minimise costs and maximise revenue across the MFG estate.

Communications Subordinates

• Liaison with EV Project Managers.
• Regular communication with MFG Directors, Managers, and Infrastructure team members.
• Interaction Operations Director and Fuel Team via phone, email, meetings, and conference calls.

Superiors

• Direct contact with the Property Director for advice on operational and project issues.

Other Contacts

• Internal: Collaboration with Head Office departments as required.
• External: Liaison with contractors, suppliers, third parties, fuel suppliers, and relevant agencies.
• Attendance at review meetings and working committees as needed.

Complexity

• Operate effectively within tight deadlines to achieve objectives.
• Promote strong, collaborative working relationships across MFG.
• Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset with a strong work ethic.
• High travel commitment, mileage likely to exceed 40,000 miles per year.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of the MFG business model.
• Experience in Development and construction within a petrol forecourt environment.
• Project management experience.
• Knowledge of Blue Book guidance, building regulations, and CDM regulations.
• HSE knowledge and practical application.
• IT proficiency, particularly Excel.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• High self-motivation, discipline, and work ethic.
• Ability to prioritise, work independently, and manage multiple projects.