At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage specifications for bridges and highways, building relationships with contractors and local authorities.
- Company: Join Saint-Gobain, a leader in sustainable construction with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Learn on the job with support from experienced colleagues in a diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on infrastructure projects while developing your skills in a dynamic field.
- Qualifications: Experience in bridge deck waterproofing and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Specification Manager - Infrastructure (Bridges & Highways), North. Home-based, covering the North East down to the Midlands, with most of the work expected in the North West and Yorkshire.
Our Northern Infrastructure team is growing, and we're looking for a Specification Manager to take on bridges and highways across the region. You'll be working alongside our National Bridges Manager, sharing workload, information and site knowledge, and helping build out a bridge deck waterproofing capability that the North currently doesn't have.
What you'll be doing:
- You'll be out on site as required, building relationships with major contractors, local authorities and asset owners across the region's bridge schemes.
- You'll act as a conduit between site and business, bringing in support from concrete repair and technical colleagues where it adds value, and helping our Authorised Contractors win and deliver work using our products, including our market-leading bridge deck waterproofing system.
- Expect a real mix: gaining bridge specifications one day, dealing with highways clients and Concrete Repair colleagues the next. The role is about getting project opportunities over the line, as well as farming new ones. Roughly a 50/50 split, with room to grow the balance as you develop.
What we're looking for:
- Bridge deck waterproofing experience is close to essential.
- You'll know the sites, understand how processes shift from one local authority to the next, and be comfortable working with the range of contractors and specifications that come with it.
- Resilient and confident enough to stand their ground and argue a technical case.
- Flexible, with the ability to be in the right place at the right time.
- Well organised, with strong planning skills to manage a demanding, spread-out territory.
- Comfortable working independently while staying connected to the wider team.
- Good at sharing information and site intelligence, not just gathering it.
You won't be expected to write specifications from day one. You'll learn on the job, with support from the National Bridges Manager and wider technical team around you.
Who you'll work with:
You'll report to the Regional Sales Manager, Infrastructure - North, and work closely with the wider UK & Ireland Sales and Technical teams. Externally, you'll be building relationships with Local Authorities, Highways and Bridges Engineers, Infrastructure Asset Owners, Architects and Contractors.
Are Saint-Gobain inclusive employers?
Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, following our purpose of 'Making the World a Better Home'. We play a part in improving daily life through high-performance solutions. From wherever you are, let your unique personality and our values guide you every day to invent a more sustainable world.
We understand that a diverse workplace is not only a more enjoyable place to be but also facilitates better decision making and innovation. So, whoever you are, and whichever Saint-Gobain business you join, you can be sure of a warm welcome with us.
And what about flexibility?
At Saint-Gobain, we're always open to new ways of working. Everyone has different needs and commitments. We'll happily discuss any need you might have for this role. Whilst we can't promise to meet every request when we're recruiting, we do promise to listen.
Specification Manager - Bridges & Highways in Leeds employer: Saint Gobain
Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises flexibility and inclusivity. As a Specification Manager in the North, you'll benefit from a supportive team environment, ample opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on infrastructure projects across the region. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, you'll be part of a company that values your unique contributions and fosters a collaborative spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specification Manager - Bridges & Highways in Leeds
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Saint Gobain, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Specification Manager - Bridges & Highways at Saint Gobain.
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Manager - Bridges & Highways in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saint Gobain
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!