Head of Construction (South)

Are you ready to be part of a team that delivers top-notch mechanical, electrical, and telecommunication engineering solutions? Look no further than VVB, where expertise and experience converge to create sustainable solutions across Rail, Highways, Power, and Tunnels.

At VVB, we're more than just engineers?we're collaborators, innovators, and stewards of our environment. Our projects are guided by our CORE values:

C ? Care & Collaboration
O ? Opportunity & Ownership
R ? Responsibility & Respect
E ? Excellence & End Result Focus

Join us in shaping the future of infrastructure while upholding these values at every turn. Explore more about who we are at (url removed)

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salaries with yearly appraisals
• Expenses covered for assignments outside your base location
• Perkbox membership for 24/7 access to perks, benefits, discounts, and wellbeing tools
• Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance schemes provided by leading providers
• Generous pension scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (including a Christmas shutdown)

ABOUT VVB:

VVB is a leading provider of multi-disciplinary engineering services across the UK?s most critical infrastructure sectors, including Rail, Power, Tunnelling, Fire & Facilities. We pride ourselves on delivering innovative, sustainable, and safe solutions to our clients, contributing to the future of the UK?s built environment.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Head of Construction is fully accountable and responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of construction projects across London and the South Region. This role provides senior management and oversight of the entire construction process, including planning, operational delivery, safety, and logistics. You will lead a high-performing team to deliver exceptional results while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, overseeing VVB?s safe system of works and safety rules.
• Ensure project construction teams are properly resourced and fully competent.
• Monitor project performance against KPIs and lead performance improvement plans when necessary.
• Collaborate with installation teams to ensure design suitability, solve constructability issues, and develop engineered solutions that meet project and budget requirements.
• Produce monthly performance reports highlighting risks, concerns, and lessons learned.
• Audit construction documentation to ensure compliance with company procedures, legal standards, and HSE requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison between the electrical labor pool, senior management, and supply chain, ensuring supplier compliance with VVB safety rules.
• Work with procurement and manufacturers to assess product suitability and ensure compliance through FAT/SAT attendance.
• Lead recruitment and development of senior construction staff, ensuring a high-performing, best-in-class team.
• Collaborate with the Operational Support team to ensure adequate preconstruction, logistics, and workforce support.
• Provide matrix leadership across projects and drive company improvement programs in line with executive leadership.

Line Management Duties:

• Manage delivery, construction, and works managers, assigning teams based on skills and project needs.
• Oversee training, development, and upskilling programs for construction staff and apprentices.
• Ensure timely completion of HR activities, including appraisals, probations, and workforce performance management.
• Act as a mentor for apprentices and graduates, supporting professional growth.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:
Essential:

• Proven ability to design and implement operational strategies successfully.
• Strong safety background with detailed knowledge of HSE legislation (including the Electricity at Work Act).
• Experience in Tier 1 and Tier 2 environments, delivering Design & Build (D&B) and installation-only projects.
• Comprehensive contractual awareness (NEC/JCT and other contracts).
• Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and comms installation legislation and standards.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Desired:

• Experience in tunnelling and underground contracts.
• Experience delivering turnkey projects (Design, Temporary, Enabling, Permanent, T&C, and Maintenance).
• Experience in regional office setup and management.
• Company management experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential:

• Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Communications)
• Registered member of CIBSE, IET, or another recognized Engineering Council Institution
• HSE training (SMSTS)

Desired:

• Chartered Engineer status
• Project management qualification (APM/Prince2 or equivalent)
• Degree in Project Management or Executive Management
• Full UK Driving Licence

COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIOURS:

• Strong safety and environmental ethos
• Excellent leadership and people management skills
• Collaborative approach and ability to build strong relationships
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to prioritise and delegate effectively
• Forward-thinking and self-motivated, with a flexible "can-do" attitude
• Willing to travel nationally and stay away from home when necessary

EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Proven experience in infrastructure or heavy industrial environments, including senior management roles
• Extensive experience in Tier 1 and Tier 2 delivery
• Delivered a wide-ranging portfolio of projects, including D&B, installation, and maintenance contracts

• Experience working for both M&E contractors and client/main contractors

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All employees must demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the principles of equality in employment and service delivery