Head of Construction

Location: Houghton le Spring

Head of Construction
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At Bellway we recognise that people are the key to our success, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture that values and respects difference combined with creating a safe and inclusive working environment for all colleagues. This means we are positive about making adjustments as well as providing flexible working and we would be happy to talk to you about how this could work for you.
There is an exciting opportunity to join Bellway, one of the UKs largest house builders. Our Durham Division, is looking to recruit a Head of Construction to join the team.

The Role
As the Head of Construction, you will take full operational responsibility for construction across Bellways Durham Division. Sitting on the Divisional Management Team, you will report directly to the Divisional Managing Director.
Leading an experienced construction team, you will oversee nine live developments across County Durham, Teesside and the surrounding area, spanning traditional housing, apartments and a mix of build methods, with a target of delivering approximately 280 homes in FY27.
With genuine scope to progress towards a Construction Director role, this position will suit an ambitious senior construction leader who wants broad operational ownership and the opportunity to make a visible difference.
Principal accountabilities of the Head of Construction role include:
Lead the Construction Department, setting clear expectations and creating a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.  Take ownership of build delivery across all developments, ensuring agreed programmes, legal completions and divisional targets are achieved safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality.  Work with the Divisional Management Team to shape and deliver the construction strategy and three-year forecast.  Provide visible leadership through regular site visits, maintaining high standards of presentation, build quality and operational performance.  

Ensure full compliance with Bellways Health and Safety and Fire policies, contributing to divisional Health and Safety meetings and promoting safe working practices across every development.  Maximise the divisions performance and profit potential through effective cost control, close monitoring of site preliminaries and overheads, and robust management of the construction team.  Partner closely with Sales, Customer Care and other divisional functions to deliver an excellent customer experience and strong customer care ratings.  

Lead, coach and develop a team that includes Construction and Contracts Managers, Site Managers and construction administration support.  Provide clear construction and management reporting for the Main Board and contribute to monthly valuation meetings.  Identify issues early, take decisive action and embed best practice across the division.
About You
Significant senior management experience within volume house building construction.  A strong track record of leading multi-site delivery and balancing the demands of safety, programme, cost, quality and customer service.  The credibility to contribute at divisional leadership level and provide trusted construction expertise to senior stakeholders.  A practical, visible leadership style with the ability to mentor, motivate and hold teams to account.  Strong communication, listening and presentation skills, combined with excellent attention to detail.  

A calm, organised and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to make timely decisions, delegate effectively and perform in a fast-paced environment.  A relevant CSCS card or equivalent, an SMSTS certificate and a full UK driving licence.  An HND in Construction or Level 7 Construction NVQ would be desirable.  Good IT capability and the confidence to adapt to new systems.  A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating an environment where people can perform at their best.
Experience, Qualifications and Skills
Experience
Management experience at a senior level / Head of Construction / Senior Construction Manager  Management of a construction function within the built environment  Previous experience as a Senior Construction Manager with a volume house builder essential
Qualifications and Training
Relevant CSCS card or equivalent  SMSTS certificate  HND in Construction, or…