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- Tasks: Lead the Smart Monitoring division, driving strategy and operations for innovative geospatial solutions.
- Company: Plowman Craven is a leading geospatial firm known for precision and innovation in asset lifecycle management.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, performance bonuses, travel loans, and enhanced family-friendly benefits.
- Why this job: Join a values-led company at the forefront of digital monitoring, shaping the future of construction and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in monitoring or engineering, with strong commercial acumen and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with international reach, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
Ref: VA179 Head Office – Harpenden Full TimePermanent
Plowman Craven is a recognised geospatial leader, combining innovation with precision to support clients across the entire asset lifecycle. Trusted by the industry\’s largest developers, property managers, contractors, and engineering firms, we deliver highly accurate data and insights that drive smarter decision-making and improve project efficiency. Our mission is to push the boundaries of possibility, providing market-leading solutions that shape the future of the built environment.
Our Smart Monitoring division plays a vital role in managing structural integrity, environmental impact and construction progress across complex, high-risk and high-value projects. By combining cutting-edge sensor technologies, automation and data analytics, we deliver real-time insight for clients in infrastructure, transport, construction, heritage and utilities.
This is a rare opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role in a forward-thinking, values-led organisation at the forefront of geospatial and digital monitoring. You’ll shape a fast-evolving Division, lead with autonomy and impact, and work closely with a loyal, highly skilled team passionate about technical delivery and client outcomes.
ROLE PURPOSE
As a critical leader within the Plowman Craven Group, the Managing Director of Smart Monitoring holds full accountability for the strategy, sales, operations, performance, and people leadership of the Division. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role blends high-level strategic thinking with day-to-day commercial and technical leadership. The successful candidate will be a recognised figure in structural or environmental monitoring, digital construction, or geotechnical engineering — a respected voice with the credibility, drive and vision to lead and grow a multi-disciplinary monitoring business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Define and deliver the Smart Monitoring strategy, aligned with Group goals and evolving market needs.
- Drive integrated growth across the three main disciplines: structural movement monitoring, environmental compliance monitoring (e.g. noise, vibration, dust), and construction progress monitoring through digital technologies.
- Build differentiated propositions using smart sensor networks, automated data reporting and cross-business collaboration.
- Full P&L responsibility for the Smart Monitoring Division, with strong focus on profitable growth.
- Lead commercial operations including forecasting, WIP, invoicing and margin management.
- Secure flagship opportunities across infrastructure, transport and complex construction schemes, often requiring cross-disciplinary solutions.
Client & Market Leadership
- Cultivate strong relationships with tier 1 contractors, consultants, infrastructure owners and public bodies.
- Maintain understanding of regulations and industry guidance relating to structural health, environmental thresholds, and programme visibility.
- Act as a visible and credible ambassador of Plowman Craven’s monitoring capability within industry forums and client networks.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure effective and safe delivery across all monitoring disciplines — from sensor installation and data capture to insight reporting and compliance assurance.
- Leverage technology and automation to scale services, improve reliability and minimise site interventions.
- Collaborate with other BUs and international teams to deliver seamless solutions across the full built environment lifecycle.
- Work collaboratively with other BUs and international teams in Poland, India, Australia and the US to deliver quality and consistency
People & Culture
- Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team including engineers, analysts, project managers and technical specialists.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, responsiveness and continuous improvement.
- Support talent development and succession planning to meet growing demand and future capability needs.
Collaboration & Key Relationships
- CEO, CFO, Business Development Director
- Central Support Teams (HR, Finance, H&S, Technical, IT)
- External technology partners, framework clients, sector regulators
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Proven senior leadership experience in monitoring, geotechnical, structural or environmental engineering.
- Broad understanding of the full spectrum of monitoring services — structural, environmental and construction progress.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L accountability.
- Recognised technical expertise and market credibility within relevant sectors.
- Passion for innovation, automation and the smart use of data in operational delivery.
- Track record of leading and scaling high-performing technical teams.
- Collaborative and empowering leadership style with a strong delivery mindset.
- Resilient, adaptable and values-driven — a visible ambassador for Plowman Craven’s culture of excellence and teamwork.
Plowman Craven is a great place to work and offers a range of competitive family friendly benefits including:
- 25 Days Annual Leave – increasing to 30 days plus bank holidays
- Performance related bonus
- Salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme
- Travel loans & travel cards (Zone 1+2) for London-based roles
- Access to fleet vehicles
- Life assurance
- Enhanced family friendly benefits
- Social activities organised throughout the year
- Harpenden & London offices
- Employee owned company held in a Trust for the benefit of employees
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Benefits of working at Plowman Craven
Plowman Craven is a great place to work, where we always attract , develop and retain high calibre individuals . From competitive salaries to pensions and career development , let us show you some of the benefits in working for one of the premier surveying companies in the UK.
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Managing Director - Smart Monitoring employer: Plowman Craven
Contact Detail:
Plowman Craven Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director - Smart Monitoring
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals who are already working in structural or environmental monitoring. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, and workshops to connect with potential colleagues and clients, which can help you gain insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and trends in smart monitoring and data analytics. Being knowledgeable about cutting-edge sensor technologies and automation will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with Plowman Craven's values. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through challenges, as this will showcase your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Plowman Craven’s recent projects and achievements in the Smart Monitoring division. Being able to reference specific projects during your discussions will show your genuine interest in the company and your understanding of their market position.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director - Smart Monitoring
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Managing Director - Smart Monitoring position. Understand the key responsibilities and person specification to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior leadership experience in monitoring, geotechnical, structural, or environmental engineering. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed P&L responsibilities.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the Smart Monitoring division in your application. Discuss how you would define and deliver the strategy, drive integrated growth, and build differentiated propositions using smart technologies.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Plowman Craven values a culture of innovation and teamwork. In your application, convey your leadership style and how you inspire and develop high-performing teams. Share examples that reflect your adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plowman Craven
✨Understand the Company and Its Vision
Before your interview, take the time to research Plowman Craven and its Smart Monitoring division. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Managing Director, you'll need to highlight your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully led teams in similar industries. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to inspire, develop talent, and drive performance within a multi-disciplinary team.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Given the technical nature of the role, be ready to discuss your knowledge in structural or environmental monitoring, digital construction, or geotechnical engineering. Share insights on how you've applied innovative technologies and data analytics in past projects to improve outcomes.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your strategic vision for the Smart Monitoring division. Think about how you would define and deliver a strategy that aligns with the company's goals. Be prepared to discuss market trends, client relationships, and how you would drive growth across various disciplines.
