Installation Manager in Cardiff

Key Responsibilities

1. Installation Project Delivery

• Manage the end-to-end installation process, overseeing both local and large-scale signage package projects, and ensuring timely completion in line with project specifications and customer expectations.
• Plan and maintain the installation schedule, allocating the right crews, sub-contractors, vehicles and access equipment to each job.
• Utilise comprehensive knowledge of the signage industry to provide strategic insight and technical expertise throughout the installation process, encouraging innovation and efficiency.
• Carry out or arrange site surveys where required, identifying access, fixing and safety requirements before work is booked.
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard, with snagging resolved and completion photographs and sign-off obtained before the job is closed.

  2. Client Communication and Project Ownership

• Act as the initial point of contact for clients during the installation phase, maintaining proactive communication and building strong client relationships to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Take full ownership of projects assigned to the installation department, including client communication and coordination with fitters and sub-contractors.
• Where other departments assist (for example, booking jobs or sub-contractors), ownership and control remain with the Installation Manager, and those assisting must be made aware of this.
• Coordinate with principal contractors, site managers and building managers on access, inductions and programme requirements for construction projects.

  3. Management of In-House Installation Teams

• Lead, support and motivate the in-house installation teams, offering guidance and technical expertise to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency.
• Set clear daily and weekly expectations for each crew, and hold fitters accountable for productivity, workmanship, timekeeping and conduct.
• Make sure crews spend the maximum possible time on site and the minimum time in the office, with work prepared and loaded in advance.
• Carry out regular site visits and spot checks to monitor quality, safety and progress, and give feedback on the spot where needed.
• Conduct appraisals and regular one-to-ones, set performance objectives and address underperformance promptly and fairly.
• Manage disciplinary and grievance matters in line with company procedures, with support from the Contracts Manager or Technical Director where appropriate.
• Plan holidays, rotas and overtime to maintain cover, agreeing extended overtime with fitters in advance where critical deadlines are anticipated.
• Lead the recruitment of new fitters, including identifying resourcing needs, interviewing and onboarding.
• Deal with HR-related queries within the installation workforce.
• Address negativity or poor attitude proactively, reinforcing a positive and solution-focused team culture.

  4. Management of Sub-Contractor Installation Teams

• Vet, approve and maintain an approved sub-contractor list, checking insurances, qualifications, competency cards, RAMS and references before any work is awarded.
• Direct and manage sub-contractors to ensure jobs are carried out to the same standards of quality, safety and professionalism expected of our in-house teams.
• Issue sub-contractors with clear job packs, including drawings, specifications, site contacts, access details and RAMS, before work begins.
• Require sub-contractors to complete fitter reports and provide completion photographs for every job.
• Agree sub-contractor rates in advance, check work against what was agreed, and approve sub-contractor invoices before payment.
• Monitor and review sub-contractor performance, removing from the approved list any who fall short on quality, safety, reliability or conduct.
• Sub-contractors must not be difficult to manage or negatively influence installation staff. Any such behaviour is a red-line issue and must be addressed immediately.

  5. Health, Safety and RAMS

• Take ownership of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for all installation work, ensuring they are produced, reviewed and briefed to crews before work starts.
• Ensure safe systems of work are followed on every site, including working at height, lifting operations, electrical work and public safety.
• Make sure in-house fitters and sub-contractors hold the correct training and certification for the work they carry out, and that records are kept up to date.
• Report, investigate and record accidents, incidents and near misses, and put corrective actions in place.
• Ensure site inductions, permits and principal contractor requirements are completed and complied with.

  6. Fleet, Tools and Access Equipment

• Manage the installation fleet, ensuring vans are roadworthy, serviced, insured and kept clean and organised.
• Manage tools and access equipment, including MEWPs, PASMA towers, ladders and power tools, making sure inspections, servicing and records are up to date.
• Arrange the hire of plant and access equipment when required, keeping hire costs under control and off-hiring promptly.

  7. Job Costing, Budgets and Invoicing

• Monitor and ensure the achievement of monthly invoicing targets, implementing strategies to optimise project timelines and increase operational efficiency without compromising quality.
• Work within installation budgets for each job, tracking labour, sub-contractor, travel, accommodation, plant hire and material costs against the quoted figures.
• Provide installation costings and labour estimates to support quoting, and feed back on jobs where actual costs differ from those quoted.
• Ensure completed jobs are signed off and passed for invoicing promptly, minimising return visits and unbillable time.

  8. Collaboration with Design and Production

• Collaborate closely with the design and production teams, providing feedback to streamline installation processes and improve overall project execution.
• Confirm production readiness ahead of scheduled installations, and raise any issues with drawings, fixings or manufacturing early enough to avoid delays on site.

What we're looking for

• A qualification in a relevant field is desirable, or equivalent practical experience in project or installation management within the signage industry.
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the signage industry, including a deep understanding of installation techniques, materials and emerging technologies.
• Proven experience managing both directly employed installation teams and sub-contractors, with the confidence to hold both to account.
• Excellent communication and customer relations skills, with a demonstrated ability to build strong client relationships and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Strong leadership abilities and a proven track record of effectively managing and motivating installation teams to achieve outstanding results.
• Sound working knowledge of health and safety in construction, including RAMS and working at height.
• SMSTS or SSSTS, CSCS, IPAF and PASMA certification would be an advantage, but are not essential for the role.
• Experience of job costing, working to budgets and supporting invoicing targets.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools, coupled with a keen analytical mindset to monitor and optimise key performance indicators.
• A full UK driving licence.

What you can expect from us

• 8.5 hours daily, Monday to Friday working flexibly
  
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• 20 days holidays + Bank Holidays
• Holidays increased based on time served.
• Access to our benefits platform with hundreds of great discounts, including cycle to work, gym scheme.
• Social & Charity Events.
• Eyesight care scheme.