Site Manager - Groundworks in Cardiff

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.

Location: Cardiff

Reports To: Contracts Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: Dependant on experience

You must have experience of working in groundworks to apply for this role.

Job Overview: We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Groundworks Site Manager to oversee and manage groundworks and civil engineering operations across construction sites. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all groundwork activities such as site preparation, drainage, foundations, and external works—are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Responsibilities for the job role:

• Manage day-to-day site operations, ensuring work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in line with project specifications.
• Coordinate and supervise subcontractors, site operatives, plant, and materials.
• Quantify materials from site drawings and place material requisitions.
• Interpret technical drawings and plans to guide the work on-site.
• Proactively raise RFIs.
• Ensure all groundwork elements (e.g., excavation, concrete works, drainage, roads, foundations) are delivered to specification and all relevant QA records are kept up to date.
• Maintain daily records of site activity and progress.
• Monitor health and safety compliance and carry out toolbox talks, site inductions and brief method statements and risk assessments.
• Liaise with clients, contracts managers, engineers, and senior management to provide updates and resolve issues.
• Manage site logistics, including deliveries, material handling and waste disposal.
• Ensure all plant and machinery is used correctly and maintained in good working order.
• Handle any on-site issues promptly and professionally, escalating when necessary.
• Prepare and write method statements, risk assessments, and quality assurance documentation in line with PC requirements.

What benefits can we offer you?

• Life Assurance Scheme
• Free on-site Parking
• Company van or van share
• PPE
• Corporate gym membership discount
• Annual Salary Review
• Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
• Progression opportunities
• 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Site Manager, directly managing groundworks/civil engineering (minimum 3–5 years).
• Strong knowledge of groundwork techniques including foundations, drainage, and concrete works.
• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certification.
• CSCS card (Black, Gold or White preferred).
• First Aid at Work certificate.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and technical documents.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Experience on commercial, or infrastructure projects.
• Civil engineering qualification.
• NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management or equivalent.

What are our core values?

• Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.
• Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.
• Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.
• Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.
• Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.

Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.