Construction Manager

This is a hands‑on senior role with real responsibility - you'll be running an in‑house team of road workers and managing external contractors across one of the most varied county road networks in the south of England. You won't be stuck behind a desk. A council vehicle comes with the job, and you'll be out across Dorset overseeing works, solving problems, and keeping things moving.

You'll be part of a council that takes its highways seriously, with a proper capital programme and the resources to deliver it. There's development support available, a local government pension, flexible working, and genuine career progression if you want it.

You'll lead the Construction Delivery team day to day - managing road workers and subcontractors to deliver a mixed programme of capital and revenue maintenance works. That covers resurfacing, surface treatments, drainage, improvements, and general maintenance across the county.

The job involves managing budgets, programmes, and resources, keeping work safe and on spec, and making sure the right plant, materials, and people are in the right place. You'll use digital auditing systems to monitor quality and carry out regular site visits and safety inspections.

You'll also take on depot responsibilities as Premises Responsible Person when needed, feed into recruitment and staff development (including the apprenticeship programme), and take part in the winter maintenance and out‑of‑hours emergency standby rota.

It's a busy, varied role where no two weeks are the same. If you like structure but can adapt when things change - which they will - you'll be well suited to it.

You'll need a full driving licence, an SMSTS certificate, and a CSCS card. You'll either hold an NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management or be prepared to work towards it within two years of starting.

Beyond the qualifications, what matters is experience - managing operational teams, delivering programmes on time and on budget, and a solid understanding of Principal Contractor responsibilities under CDM 2015. You'll know how to motivate a workforce, handle competing priorities, and keep sites safe for your team and the public.

Useful extras include an HNC, knowledge of Confirm or similar asset management systems, Lantra TM sector scheme 12D M7, or membership of a professional body such as ICE, IHE, or CIHT.