At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing Project Management team overseeing 60+ projects annually.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing multi-site hospitality businesses.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape future developments.
- Other info: Highly visible role with excellent career progression potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ambitious growth and innovative project delivery.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in construction or development within a multi-site organisation.
SolvTalent has been retained by one of the UK’s fastest-growing, multi-site hospitality businesses to appoint a Head of Construction & Development. With an ambitious growth strategy, a significant new-site pipeline and continued investment across its existing estate, this is an opportunity to take strategic leadership of a substantial national development programme.
You’ll oversee 60+ projects annually and £20–25m of CapEx, leading an established Project Management team responsible for delivering new openings, refurbishments and wider estate investment. Importantly, this isn’t a role for someone who wants to personally manage every project. We’re looking for a leader who can develop the function, empower the team and improve how projects are delivered.
The opportunity
- Leading, coaching and developing an established Project Management team
- Providing strategic oversight across 60+ annual development projects
- Owning CapEx planning, forecasting and commercial performance
- Improving project governance, processes and delivery efficiency
- Developing procurement, contractor and consultant strategies
- Influencing design standards and the evolution of future site concepts
- Working closely with Property, Operations, Finance, Brand and executive leadership
Who are we looking for?
You’ll already be operating in a senior Construction, Development, Projects or Capital Projects position within a multi-site organisation. Experience within hospitality, retail, leisure or food & beverage would be advantageous, although we're equally interested in candidates from other fast-paced, customer-facing multi-site environments.
More important is your ability to demonstrate:
- Leadership of high-performing project teams
- Delivery of complex, high-volume capital programmes
- Strong commercial and cost-management capability
- Evidence of improving processes and ways of working
- The ability to operate strategically rather than becoming consumed by individual projects
- Credibility with senior and executive stakeholders
This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to shape how an ambitious, growing organisation builds, invests and develops its estate for the future. For a confidential conversation, apply directly or contact Steve Brandsma at SolvTalent.
Head of Construction & Development in City of London employer: SolvTalent
SolvTalent is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including mentorship from seasoned professionals and involvement in strategic decision-making processes. With a focus on meaningful contributions to property expansion initiatives, SolvTalent provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Construction & Development in City of London
✨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 SolvTalent, 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 Head of Construction & Development at SolvTalent.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Construction & Development in City of London
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 SolvTalent
✨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!
