At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-voltage substation projects, ensuring safety and compliance from start to finish.
- Company: Join a leading company in the energy sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and grow within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while managing exciting construction projects.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in construction, with experience in HV/EHV substation management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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.
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.
Construction Manager in West Bromwich employer: Rubicon Consulting
As a leading employer in the high-voltage construction sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and safety-focused work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our Construction Managers benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training programmes, and the opportunity to lead significant projects within a dynamic team environment, all while contributing to critical infrastructure development across the UK. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and excellence in every project.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Manager in West Bromwich
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend construction events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land an interview, make sure to highlight your experience managing HV/EHV substation projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and delivered projects on time and within budget. We want to see that you can handle the pressure!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts and safety regulations like CDM 2015. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed subcontractor performance and navigated challenges on live operational sites. This is your chance to shine as the expert we need!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also helps us keep track of your application. Let’s get you on board and building those high-voltage projects together!
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Manager in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Construction Manager role. Highlight your experience with high-voltage substation projects and any relevant certifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role, mentioning your hands-on experience with NEC contracts and your leadership in managing multi-discipline teams.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible, like how you improved project delivery times or managed budgets effectively on previous projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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, NEC3/NEC4 contracts, and safety protocols. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the industry inside out.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Construction Manager, you'll be leading multi-discipline teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in coordinating civil, electrical, and M&E subcontractors to demonstrate your ability to keep everything running smoothly.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Project Management Tools
Since you'll be using Primavera P6 or MS Project, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. Bring examples of how you've used them to develop construction programmes and manage schedules. This will show that you're not only familiar with the software but also know how to leverage it for successful project delivery.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to risk management, quality assurance, and site safety. Brush up on your knowledge of ITPs, RAMS, and permit-to-work systems. Being able to confidently answer these questions will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
