Head of Shafts (Civils)

The Shafts (Civils) Lead is a key leadership role within the Tunnels and Shaft Delivery Unit. Responsible for overseeing the design, construction, temporary works, shaft sinking, SCL works, secondary linings for TIDs, cross passages, tunnel connections and all associated FRC works related to the shafts and headhouses stairs coordinating with the TBMs and tunnelling activities in the DU's scope. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and leadership abilities and supply chain management and relationships to ensure that assets are completed on time, within budget, to the highest quality standards and fully assured to the requirements of HS2. The Shafts (Civils) Lead plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of the projects meeting client expectations and organizational objectives. This position requires a dynamic individual with a combination of technical expertise, leadership abilities, and a commitment to excellence.

Flexible working: We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. This might be part-time, remote working, or compressed hours for example. Anyone who applies for a role can ask about flexibility at interview. In return, we will explore what is possible for the role.

Role Responsibility

• Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans for shaft construction projects, aligning with overall project objectives and organizational goals. Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in shaft construction methodologies, equipment, and processes.
• Project Management: Lead project teams in the planning, scheduling, and execution of shaft construction activities. Monitor project progress, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Coordinate with other departments and stakeholders to resolve issues and mitigate risks.
• Design and Engineering: Oversee the development of shaft designs, temporary works, including structural integrity, ventilation, and access requirements. Review engineering drawings and specifications to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and project requirements. Collaborate with design consultants and contractors to optimize shaft designs for efficiency and safety.
• Construction Oversight: Supervise the construction of shafts, including excavation, lining installation, and associated works. Implement quality control measures to ensure construction meets specifications and quality standards. Manage contractor relationships and performance, enforcing contractual obligations as necessary.
• Safety and Compliance: Champion a culture of safety within the organization, promoting best practices and compliance with relevant regulations. Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to identify hazards and implement corrective actions. Ensure environmental compliance throughout the shaft construction process, minimizing impact on surrounding ecosystems.
• Cost Management: Develop and manage project budgets for shaft construction activities, tracking expenditures and controlling costs. Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies without compromising safety or quality.
• Stakeholder Relations: Liaise with project stakeholders, including clients, government agencies, and local communities, to address concerns and maintain positive relationships. Communicate project progress, challenges, and milestones effectively to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment of expectations.

The Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, (advanced degree preferred) or suitable experience in field.
• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in heavy civil engineering, tunneling and underground construction, with a focus on shafts.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale construction projects, preferably in tunneling or heavy civil engineering.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience interacting with diverse stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of civils construction, tunneling techniques, equipment, and materials, as well as relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software for scheduling, budgeting, and reporting.

This job description serves as a general outline and may vary depending on the specific requirements of the organization and the nature of the tunneling projects involved.

About the Company

The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK's new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK's 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services. The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.

You’ll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join one of our networks for women, military or LGBT+ staff, and participate in cultural and social events with the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador). Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.

HS2 - working with Skanska, Costain and STRABAG, closely monitors job applications, to ensure an inclusive recruitment process. To ensure we are able to maintain this, and to recruit a diverse workforce, we require candidates to complete the diversity form as part of their application so we are able to monitor and improve our approach to diversity. Please note, all responses are anonymous and we will not share any of your data with other parties. All data will be held securely, (as stated within the Data Protection Act 1998) and will be reported to HS2.

It is an SCSJV requirement that all employees, Design House, and Supply Chains must implement and comply with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System with guidance for use, OHSAS 18001:2017 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, Policies, Plans, Procedures and Processes, and statutory requirements as they affect the Joint Venture's operations and ensure that the requirements, as applicable within their discipline, are effectively implemented on the project. Develop a culture of safety on the project through the absolute commitment to the Zero Accidents target and ethos, and develops a wider awareness of quality, environmental issues and demonstrates commitment to achieve continual improvement and Zero tolerance.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. SCS Railways is a Disability Confident Leader. We want to encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have an opportunity to display your skills, talent, and abilities. We will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.