project & site Manager Role
Location
Milton Keynes & surrounding areas
Salary
Competitive
Contract Type
Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to
Project Manager
About Us
Cognitive Construction is an ambitious and growing construction company delivering high-quality residential extensions, renovations, bespoke builds and new-build projects across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
We are building a reputation for exceptional workmanship, professional project management and a high level of client service. As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Site Operations Manager who shares our commitment to excellence and wants to play an important role in delivering some of the area’s finest residential and commercial projects.
The Role
As Site Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the operational management of multiple live construction projects, ensuring each project is delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, to budget and to the high standards expected by Cognitive Construction and our clients.
This is a senior, hands-on construction management role for an experienced professional who is equally confident managing sites, managing people and carrying out practical construction work.
You will oversee the day-to-day operational performance of multiple sites, ensuring that Site Managers, subcontractors, trades and site operatives are properly coordinated, supported and held accountable for delivering the required standard of work.
You will work closely with the Project Manager, who has responsibility for project delivery and reports to the Managing Director. You will provide the Project Manager with clear, accurate and proactive information on programme, progress, resources, quality, health and safety, costs, risks and any issues requiring escalation.
A key part of the role will be leading by example. You will be expected to have the practical construction knowledge and experience to step in, solve problems and provide live coaching and guidance on site to other team members and trades when required.
You will also take responsibility for ensuring that every project reaches a proper and professional handover. You should never be prepared to hand a project back to a client simply because the programme says it is finished. The project must be complete, clean, safe, defect-free as far as reasonably possible and finished to a standard that you are genuinely proud to put the Cognitive Construction name to.
Key Responsibilities
Multi-Site Operations
- Take overall operational responsibility for the successful running and coordination of multiple live construction sites.
Plan, coordinate and oversee site activities across projects, ensuring resources, labour, trades, materials and plant are properly managed.
Regularly visit and monitor each project to assess progress, quality, site standards, health and safety and overall performance.
Maintain clear 2-3 week look-ahead planning across each project and ensure upcoming works are properly coordinated.
Identify operational issues, resource requirements and potential delays early and take action before they impact the programme.
Ensure all sites are organised, productive, clean, safe and professionally presented.
Ensure works are carried out in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, programme and agreed scope.
Programme & Commercial Performance
- Take ownership of ensuring projects remain on programme and within agreed budgets.
Monitor progress against the agreed project schedules and ensure key milestones and completion dates are achieved.
Identify programme risks early and implement practical solutions to prevent delays.
Ensure labour, subcontractors, materials and plant are planned sufficiently in advance to avoid unnecessary downtime.
Work closely with the Project Manager to understand project budgets, programme requirements and commercial priorities.
Identify and communicate any issues that could impact project cost or programme at the earliest opportunity.
Ensure resources are used efficiently and avoid unnecessary labour, material or plant costs.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, coordinate and manage Site Managers, subcontractors, trades and site operatives across multiple projects.
Set clear expectations around workmanship, productivity, behaviour, site standards and programme performance.
Provide support, direction and accountability to site teams, ensuring agreed actions are followed through to completion.
Provide live coaching, mentoring and practical guidance on site to other team members and trades when required.
Use your practical construction experience to demonstrate the correct approach where necessary and help develop the capability of less experienced team members.
Lead from the front and set the standard for professionalism, workmanship, organisation and attitude.
Address poor performance, quality issues or unacceptable site practices promptly and escalate where appropriate.
Build strong working relationships with subcontractors and trades while maintaining clear standards and accountability.
Construction & Practical Expertise
- Use extensive practical construction experience to oversee sequencing, buildability and quality across projects.
Read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications and technical construction information.
Identify construction issues and provide practical solutions before they become significant problems.
Be confident getting hands-on when required to support the site team, demonstrate a construction method or resolve an issue.
Ensure work is completed correctly the first time wherever possible, minimising avoidable defects and re-work.
Carry out regular quality inspections and ensure any defects, incomplete works or snags are promptly recorded and resolved.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Take day-to-day responsibility for health and safety standards across the sites under your management.
Ensure sites are operated safely and in accordance with relevant legislation, company procedures and project requirements.
Carry out regular site checks and ensure identified health and safety issues are addressed immediately.
Ensure subcontractors and site operatives understand and comply with required health and safety procedures.
Coordinate required inspections and ensure works comply with Building Regulations, relevant standards and project specifications.
Escalate significant health and safety concerns immediately to the Project Manager.
Communication & Reporting
- Provide the Project Manager with clear, accurate and proactive updates on project progress and operational performance.
Communicate any programme, quality, resource, cost, client or health and safety concerns at the earliest opportunity.
Maintain accurate site records, photographs, progress updates, deliveries, key decisions and outstanding actions.
Communicate professionally with clients, neighbours, subcontractors, trades and other project stakeholders.
Ensure client-facing issues are dealt with promptly and appropriately, escalating matters to the Project Manager where required.
Communication & Reporting
- Maintain Cognitive Construction’s high standards of workmanship, presentation and professionalism across every project.
Ensure quality is controlled throughout the build rather than relying on a final inspection to identify problems.
Drive a very low level of re-work, ensuring work is completed correctly and to specification first time wherever possible.
Ensure defects and snags are identified early, properly resolved and not repeatedly revisited.
Take ownership of the final stages of each project and ensure all outstanding works are completed before handover.
Carry out a thorough final review of the project before it is handed back to the client. ● Ensure the project is complete, clean, safe, properly finished and presented to the standard expected by Cognitive Construction.
Be proud to hand the completed project back to the client and confident that the work represents the quality of the company.
Do not consider a project complete until the required standard has genuinely been achieved.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Site Operations Manager will be measured against clear operational and project delivery KPIs, including:
Programme
Projects delivered in accordance with agreed programmes and completion dates.
Potential delays identified early, with effective action taken to minimise their impact.
Site activities and milestones consistently achieved as planned.
Budget
- Projects delivered within agreed budgets.
Effective management of labour, materials, plant and subcontractor resources.
Early identification and escalation of any issue likely to impact project cost.
Quality & Re-Work
- Very low percentage of re-work and remedial work.
High percentage of work completed correctly the first time.
Defects and snags identified early and resolved promptly.
Consistent compliance with drawings, specifications and Cognitive Construction quality standards.
Health & Safety
- Safe, organised and compliant sites.
Health and safety issues identified and addressed promptly.
Consistent adherence to company procedures and statutory requirements.
People & Leadership
Effective management and coordination of site teams across multiple projects.
Trades and subcontractors working productively and to the required standard.
Positive contribution to the development of team members through coaching and practical guidance.
Clear accountability and follow-through on agreed actions.
Handover & Client Experience
Projects handed over complete, clean, safe and to the required standard.
Minimal outstanding defects or incomplete works at handover.
Client concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
Projects completed to a standard the Site Operations Manager and Cognitive Construction are proud to put their name to.
Performance Expectations
The successful Site Operations Manager will be expected to:
Successfully manage the operational delivery of multiple projects simultaneously.
Keep all projects on programme and work proactively to prevent delays.
Ensure projects remain within agreed budgets and resources are used efficiently.
Maintain clear and current look-ahead planning across all active projects.
Maintain high standards of workmanship and achieve a consistently low level of re-work.
Ensure sites are clean, organised, safe and professionally presented.
Maintain strong control of subcontractors, trades and site teams.
Provide effective live coaching and support to team members when required.
Identify problems early and take ownership of finding practical solutions.
Communicate proactively with the Project Manager rather than waiting to be asked for updates.
Take full ownership of the final stages of projects and ensure they are genuinely ready for handover.
Never compromise on quality simply to achieve a completion date.
Represent Cognitive Construction professionally at all times.
You Will Be Someone Who
- Has significant practical, hands-on construction experience.
Has extensive experience managing construction sites and multiple projects simultaneously.
Has proven experience managing and leading people, including subcontractors, trades and site teams.
Has strong knowledge of construction methods, sequencing and project delivery.
Is confident in taking responsibility for site operations and making decisions.
Has excellent attention to detail and a strong eye for quality.
Can read and understand architectural and technical drawings.
Understands the importance of programme, budget, productivity and resource management.
Has a strong understanding of health and safety responsibilities on construction sites.
Is confident in providing practical coaching and guidance to others.
Is proactive and able to anticipate problems rather than simply react to them.
Takes ownership and follows tasks through to completion.
Is commercially aware and understands the impact of poor planning, delays and re-work.
Can communicate confidently with clients, trades, subcontractors and colleagues.
Is professional, reliable and well presented.
Is comfortable using digital systems for communication, project updates and record keeping.
Takes genuine pride in the quality of the finished product.
Reporting Structure
Managing Director
↓
Project Manager
↓
Site Operations Manager
↓
Site Managers / Site Operatives / Trades / Subcontractors
The Site Operations Manager reports directly to the Project Manager and works closely with the wider management team to ensure the successful operational delivery of Cognitive Construction’s projects.
What We Expect
At Cognitive Construction, we are aiming to be recognised as one of the best building companies in our area. That means our standards extend beyond simply getting the work built.
We expect our Site Operations Manager to take pride in:
The Sites: Clean, organised, safe and professionally presented.
The Work: High-quality workmanship with attention to detail and minimal re-work.
The Programmes: Well planned, efficiently managed and delivered on time.
The Budget: Resources used efficiently and projects delivered within agreed budgets.
The Team: People who are properly led, supported, coached and held accountable.
The Safety: A safe working environment where standards are consistently maintained.
The Client: Professional communication and a positive experience throughout the build.
The Finish: Projects completed properly, with no shortcuts, and to a standard we are proud to put our name to.
The Handover: A completed project that the Site Operations Manager is genuinely proud to hand back to the client.
Why Join Cognitive Construction?
- The opportunity to oversee multiple high-quality residential extensions, bespoke builds and new-build projects.
A growing company with ambitious plans for the future.
A professional and supportive working environment.
A senior operational role with genuine responsibility and influence.
The opportunity to work alongside an experienced management and construction team.
Varied and interesting projects rather than repetitive work
The opportunity to develop and coach other members of the team.
Competitive salary, based on experience and ability.
Long-term opportunity for progression as the company continues to grow.
The Ideal Candidate
This role would suit a highly experienced construction professional who is ready to take responsibility for more than one site and wants to play a key role in raising operational standards across the business.
We are looking for someone who can combine strong practical construction knowledge with excellent people management and operational leadership.
You will be someone who leads from the front, knows what good construction looks like, can spot problems before they happen and has the confidence to coach others and hold people accountable.
Most importantly, you will care about the finished product. You will not simply want to get projects over the line – you will want to deliver projects that are on time, on budget, well managed and completed to a standard you are genuinely proud of.
If you believe you are one of the best construction professionals in the area and have the experience, leadership and practical ability to help Cognitive Construction deliver exceptional projects, we’d like to hear from you.
What You’ll Get
- Competitive annual salary, depending on experience
28 days annual leave, including bank holidays
Pension scheme
A supportive, growth-oriented working environment
The opportunity to work across high-quality construction projects
Genuine responsibility and autonomy
The opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and development of Cognitive Construction
How to Apply
If you believe you have the experience, leadership, practical construction knowledge and attention to detail to be part of the Cognitive Construction team, we would like to hear from you.
To apply, please send the following to info@cognitiveconstruction.co.uk:
- Your up-to-date CV
A brief covering note explaining why you are interested in joining Cognitive Construction
Details of your current or most recent construction management role
Examples of residential projects you have managed, including the type and approximate value of the projects
Details of your experience managing multiple sites and teams
Your current location and availability
Your salary expectations
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate experience managing high-quality residential extensions, bespoke builds or new-build projects, alongside strong practical construction knowledge and proven people-management experience.
What happens next?
We will review all applications and contact shortlisted candidates for an initial conversation.
Successful candidates will then be invited to an interview, with the opportunity to discuss their experience, approach to multi-site operations and how they would contribute to the continued growth of Cognitive Construction.
Please note: We are looking for an experienced Site Operations Manager with a strong track record in residential construction, practical hands-on experience and proven experience managing people and multiple projects. This is not an entry-level, postgraduate or trainee position.