Senior Construction Manager

Senior Construction Manager

Location: Holbeck Depot, Leeds
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

Help Shape the Future of Rail Infrastructure

RTS Infrastructure is a trusted provider of rail infrastructure, construction and depot services across the UK. As part of Arriva Group, we deliver complex rail projects that help keep the nation's rail network moving safely and efficiently.

We're looking for an experienced Senior Construction Manager to join our growing Infrastructure team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior construction professional to provide leadership across a portfolio of railway depot and infrastructure projects, ensuring safe, efficient and successful delivery from inception through to completion.

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, you'll lead multidisciplinary project teams, oversee project performance and ensure that all works are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Why Join RTS Infrastructure?

As part of Arriva Group, RTS Infrastructure is entering an exciting period of growth and investment. You'll have the opportunity to lead complex infrastructure projects, work with key industry stakeholders and play a significant role in shaping the future of our construction and project delivery capability.

This role offers the chance to influence project outcomes, mentor and develop teams, and drive continuous improvement across a growing rail infrastructure business.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide strategic leadership for the successful delivery of multiple railway depot, infrastructure and construction projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and in accordance with contractual and quality requirements.
• Oversee project planning, resource allocation and delivery strategies across a portfolio of projects.
• Review and challenge project plans, methodologies and programmes to ensure risks are effectively identified and managed.
• Provide technical guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead project reviews and ensure lessons learned are captured and implemented.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Act as the senior operational point of contact for clients during project delivery.
• Support business development activities including tenders, bids and client engagement opportunities.
• Represent the business at client meetings, project reviews and operational forums.
• Provide leadership and direction to Construction Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors and project delivery teams.
• Lead workforce planning activities to maximise project efficiency and resource utilisation.
• Monitor contractor and supply chain performance to ensure compliance with contractual and operational requirements.
• Support recruitment, succession planning, performance management and employee development activities.
• Champion a strong health, safety, quality and environmental culture across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and fulfil Principal Contractor responsibilities where applicable.
• Review and approve key project documentation including Construction Phase Plans, Work Package Plans, risk assessments and permits.
• Lead investigations into significant incidents, quality issues and project delays, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Monitor project quality performance and ensure robust inspection, testing, commissioning and handover processes are followed.
• Maintain accountability for project financial performance, budgets, forecasts and profitability.
• Support the management of variations, compensation events and scope changes.
• Work closely with Commercial Managers to maximise project value and recover entitled costs.
• Provide regular project and portfolio performance reports to senior leadership.
• Monitor project risks, opportunities and performance indicators, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Oversee project completion, commissioning, handover and close-out activities.
• Ensure all final documentation, asset information and project records are completed and retained appropriately.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• HNC/HND, NVQ Level 5 or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
• SMSTS qualification.
• CSCS Black Card (Manager Level) or equivalent.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of CDM Regulations.
• Significant experience in a senior construction management role within rail, infrastructure, depot or major construction environments.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of railway depot environments, construction methodologies and project delivery processes.
• Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers and project delivery partners.
• Experience implementing and managing CDM requirements and construction health and safety controls.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues.
• Demonstrates visible leadership and promotes a positive safety culture.
• Professional, credible and customer-focused approach.
• Strong commitment to quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Resilient and adaptable within a fast-paced project environment.
• Results-driven with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• High levels of integrity, accountability and professionalism.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

• Membership of the Arriva Workplace Pension Scheme (3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution)
• Life Assurance plus access to one of the UK's largest networks of medical professionals
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with opportunities to purchase additional holiday
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Access to discounts and cashback through The Village, our online reward gateway
• Eyecare vouchers
• Opportunity to join our Employee Experience Forum, helping shape wellbeing, career development and community initiatives
• Arriva UK Trains Travel Pass

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're an experienced construction leader looking to oversee complex rail infrastructure projects and drive high-performing project teams, we'd love to hear from you.

Join RTS Infrastructure and play a key role in delivering safe, efficient and innovative infrastructure projects that help shape the future of the UK's railway.