At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-voltage substation projects, ensuring safety and compliance while managing diverse teams.
- Company: Join Rubicon Consulting, a dynamic talent management consultancy focused on optimising business performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a collaborative work environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the energy sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in construction with experience in HV/EHV substation projects required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Construction Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and commercially effective delivery of high-voltage substation construction packages within a National Grid transmission or distribution framework. Operating as the principal point of accountability on site, this role bridges the client interface, design teams, and self-delivery / subcontract workforce to drive projects from mobilisation through to energisation and handover. The Construction Manager will typically lead packages valued between £5m and £50m+ across new-build, refurbishment, and operational (live) substation environments at voltages up to and including 400kV.
Key responsibilities
- Take full accountability for the safe delivery of all construction activities on site, ensuring compliance with CDM 2015, National Grid safety rules, and the principal contractor's SHEQ management system.
- Lead and co-ordinate multi-discipline site teams covering civil, electrical, M&E, and commissioning workstreams across the full project lifecycle — from enabling works through to energisation.
- Develop, maintain, and drive the construction programme using Primavera P6 or MS Project; own the look-ahead schedule and chair weekly progress meetings with the client representative.
- Own the commercial position on site — manage subcontractor performance, authorise timesheets and applications, identify and notify Early Warning events under NEC4 contract, and support the QS in compiling compensation event submissions.
- Manage the site-level risk register; chair RAMS and method statement reviews; enforce permit-to-work and National Grid safety documentation (BESC, SR163, competency authorisations).
- Serve as the primary interface with the National Grid Authorising Manager and client delivery team on all day-to-day technical and programme matters.
- Oversee quality assurance on all permanent works; review ITPs, manage NCR close-out, and sign off inspection records against project specification and National Grid technical standards.
- Manage plant, material, and labour resource planning including forecasting and procurement support for long-lead items.
- Produce weekly construction reports, progress photographs, KPI dashboards, and monthly board-level updates in line with the programme's reporting cadence.
- Mentor and line-manage site supervisors, site engineers, and graduate staff embedded within the construction team.
- Lead site handover, commissioning co-ordination, and as-built record compilation through to practical completion and National Grid acceptance.
Requirements:
- Minimum 7 years' construction delivery experience, with at least 4 years managing HV/EHV substation projects (132kV, 275kV, or 400kV).
- Proven track record as Construction Manager or Package Manager on a National Grid transmission or NGED distribution framework.
- Demonstrable experience managing civil, electrical, and M&E subcontractors concurrently on live operational sites.
- Strong working knowledge of NEC3 / NEC4 target cost and lump-sum contract mechanisms including change control, early warnings, and compensation events.
- Hands-on CDM Principal Contractor experience with full SHEQ accountability.
- Proficiency in Primavera P6 or MS Project for programme management and look-ahead planning.
Desirable experience
- Experience on HVDC converter or ASTI programme delivery (Eastern Green Link, Viking, LionLink or similar).
- Previous exposure to SF6-free GIS switchgear installation and commissioning.
- Background in both substation EPC (turnkey) and civils-only package delivery.
- Experience managing outage windows and access agreements on energised transmission infrastructure.
- Working knowledge of National Grid's Primavera-based programme governance and reporting requirements.
Our Company
Rubicon Consulting is a Talent management consultancy which helps you to optimise business performance and competitive advantage by choosing the right people first time.
Construction Manager employer: Rubicon Consulting
Rubicon Consulting is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety, compliance, and commercial effectiveness are paramount. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for mentorship and professional development, particularly in high-voltage substation projects. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Construction Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with NEC contracts and how you've managed HV substation projects. We want to see you shine and show off your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! As a Construction Manager, you’ll be leading teams and managing subcontractors. Share examples of how you’ve successfully coordinated multi-discipline teams in the past – we love a good success story!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can bring their A-game to our projects. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Construction Manager role. Highlight your experience with high-voltage substation projects and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed projects, led teams, or improved safety compliance. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, be clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point—just like we do on site!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rubicon Consulting
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-voltage substation projects and the specific requirements of the National Grid. Familiarise yourself with CDM 2015 regulations and NEC3/NEC4 contract mechanisms, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Construction Manager, you'll need to lead multi-discipline teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed site teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in mentoring and managing staff, as this is key for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Project Management Tools
Since proficiency in Primavera P6 or MS Project is essential, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. Bring examples of how you've used them to develop and maintain construction programmes, and how they helped you manage project timelines effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to risk management, quality assurance, and compliance with safety standards. Brush up on your knowledge of RAMS, method statements, and the National Grid's safety documentation to demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
