At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major civil engineering projects in a highly regulated nuclear environment.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure programme at Sellafield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term job security, and career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering and strong leadership skills required.
Works Manager
Location: Chapel Bank, Sellafield (Inside the Wire)
Salary: £60,000-£65,000
Job Type: Full-Time (40 Hours)
Works Manager - Major Civil Engineering Framework
Westlakes Recruit is currently recruiting for an experienced Works Manager to join a major long-term civil engineering framework delivering critical infrastructure projects within the Sellafield nuclear site. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of construction delivery across major civils packages within one of the UK's most technically demanding and highly regulated environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading site operations, managing multidisciplinary delivery teams, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme and within budget. Working closely with the Project Manager, Engineering teams, Commercial teams and subcontractors, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating construction activities while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, quality and environmental compliance.
The Role
Reporting to the Project Manager, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day construction delivery of complex civil engineering works, including:
- Major reinforced concrete structures
- Bulk earthworks and excavation
- Infrastructure and utility installations
- Drainage and highways works
- Structural alterations
- Temporary and permanent works
- Multi-disciplinary subcontract packages
You will lead Site Engineers, General Foremen and construction teams, ensuring all activities are effectively coordinated and aligned with programme, quality and commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Construction Delivery
- Lead the safe and efficient delivery of multiple civil engineering work packages.
- Manage and coordinate site supervision teams, subcontractors and supply chain partners.
- Ensure works are delivered safely, on programme and within budget.
- Coordinate labour, plant, materials and equipment to maximise productivity.
- Monitor construction progress and proactively resolve site issues.
- Ensure construction activities are delivered in accordance with approved methodologies and engineering requirements.
Leadership & Site Management
- Provide leadership, coaching and direction to Site Engineers, General Foremen and supervisors.
- Promote a collaborative and high-performance working environment.
- Coordinate daily and weekly planning meetings with project teams.
- Ensure effective communication across engineering, commercial and construction disciplines.
- Support workforce development and mentor junior members of the delivery team.
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality
- Champion a positive health and safety culture across all site activities.
- Ensure compliance with project HSQE procedures, CDM Regulations and company standards.
- Lead regular site inspections and safety tours.
- Ensure all operatives receive appropriate inductions, task briefings and toolbox talks.
- Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across site operations.
Planning & Programme Management
- Work closely with Project Managers and Planning teams to develop construction programmes.
- Monitor progress against programme and implement recovery plans where necessary.
- Coordinate construction sequencing with engineering and commercial teams.
- Support the production of short-term look-ahead programmes.
- Identify risks to programme delivery and implement mitigation measures.
Commercial & Resource Management
- Manage site resources including labour, plant and materials.
- Coordinate deliveries and site logistics.
- Monitor productivity and resource utilisation.
- Support commercial teams with change management and progress reporting.
- Ensure efficient use of resources to maximise project performance.
Assurance & Reporting
- Support implementation of the Project Integrated Management System (IMS).
- Ensure project documentation is maintained within company document control systems.
- Monitor compliance with Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).
- Produce accurate site progress reports and construction updates.
- Assist engineering teams with project handover documentation.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience as a Works Manager, Construction Manager or Senior General Foreman delivering major civil engineering or infrastructure projects.
- Strong background managing large construction teams on complex infrastructure schemes.
- Extensive knowledge of civil engineering construction techniques including reinforced concrete, earthworks, drainage and infrastructure works.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
- Strong understanding of construction planning and programme management.
- Experience managing subcontractors and coordinating multidisciplinary site activities.
- Thorough knowledge of CDM Regulations and health and safety legislation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- SMSTS and CSCS qualifications.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Previous experience working within the nuclear sector or other highly regulated industries.
- Knowledge of Sellafield site procedures and permit systems.
- Temporary Works awareness or coordination experience.
- Experience delivering projects under NEC contracts.
- First Aid qualification.
- Relevant construction or engineering qualification (HNC, HND or Degree).
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes, delivering complex civil engineering projects within a highly regulated nuclear environment. You'll work alongside experienced project professionals on long-term framework projects, with excellent opportunities for career progression, professional development and exposure to nationally significant infrastructure delivery.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary of £60,000-£65,000
- Long-term programme security
- Major infrastructure and civil engineering projects
- Excellent career progression opportunities
- Collaborative project environment
- Ongoing professional development
- Opportunity to contribute to the delivery of nationally important infrastructure within the UK's nuclear sector
Works Manager - Civils - Nuclear Decommissioning in Workington employer: westlakesrecruit
As a leading consultancy in the nuclear sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With opportunities for professional growth and development, our hybrid working model between Blackburn and Warrington allows for a balanced work-life integration while engaging in technically challenging projects alongside industry experts. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, creativity, and excellence in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Works Manager - Civils - Nuclear Decommissioning in Workington
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Works Manager - Civils - Nuclear Decommissioning in Workington
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 westlakesrecruit
✨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!
