Ballycommon, recruiting on behalf of our client, is seeking an experienced Earthworks Manager for a long-term project in Milton Keynes. This role offers the opportunity to lead a team in managing large-scale earthworks operations while driving business development and maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee day-to-day earthworks operations, including site excavation, ground clearance, trenching, soil stabilisation, and embankment construction.
• Assist the site management team in managing specific sections of the work or sub-contract packages, ensuring efficient and smooth project execution.
• Implement and maintain high standards of safety, quality, and environmental control, including creating and reviewing detailed method statements, site-specific inductions, and associated documentation.
• Ensure detailed sequencing of works activities with a thorough understanding of construction processes.
• Interrogate and extract 3D design information to communicate essential project details to stakeholders, ensuring alignment between design and implementation.
• Procurement of subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring the right resources are in place for efficient project delivery.
• Manage elements of the cost plan to ensure that the project stays within budget.
• Chair meetings with key project stakeholders, including clients, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and third parties to ensure smooth communication and coordination.
• Liaise with client representatives and designers on design issues and changes, ensuring project alignment with client needs.
• Develop and manage the project programme, ensuring completion in line with project targets and timelines.
• Produce realistically resourced reconstructions, including accurate calculations of earthworks quantities and appropriate methodologies.
• Allocate sections of the programme to engineering staff for detailed planning, ensuring daily targets are met and communicated clearly.
• Prepare fortnightly construction programmes, using the master section programme to drive progress on the project.
• Maintain awareness of financial targets, conducting regular update meetings with the commercial team to review costs and monitor performance.
• Involve sub-contractors in the planning process and incorporate their detailed plans into the section plan for efficient collaboration.
• Ensure that all necessary documentation, including method statements, permits, and licences, are in place for planned works.
• Regularly review project progress with the Project Manager, Agent, and QS to identify events causing delays or disruptions, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.

Additional Responsibilities:

Operate plant and equipment as required, ensuring safe and effective use.

Proactively find and generate sales opportunities and meet with potential clients to explore new business.

Prepare accurate quotes for earthworks projects, with support for pricing strategies and client requirements.

Drive process improvements across existing business systems and structures to enhance operational efficiency.

Provide exceptional account management to new and existing clients, ensuring services are delivered on time and within budget.

Skills & Experience Required:

Degree or higher level in a numerate discipline, preferably Engineering. A lower qualification such as HNC or HND will be considered if accompanied by significant experience in a technical engineering role.

Extensive experience in construction engineering, including earthworks, ground stabilisation, and deep drainage.

Proven ability to manage and assist in the management of on-site activities, including monitoring, liaising with subcontractors, and addressing challenges that could lead to delays or additional costs.

Experience in leading or assisting with the leadership of site teams and mentoring them to form a cohesive and effective project team.

Knowledge of earthworks operations, including excavation, grading, soil management, and environmental factors.

Demonstrated commercial acumen and sales development skills, with a strong ability to negotiate and close deals.

Proficient in MS Office and industry-specific software for project management and reporting.

Strong communication skills, capable of working efficiently under pressure and making informed decisions.

SMSTS Accreditation and a valid CSCS card.

Demonstrated experience with safety policies and ensuring compliance on construction sites.

Certifications Required:

CSCS card

SMSTS (CITB) accreditation 

First Aid Certification (First Aid Awards Limited)

About Ballycommon:

Ballycommon is a specialist recruitment agency working on behalf of clients to provide highly qualified candidates for major infrastructure and construction projects. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities and maintain a non-discriminatory approach throughout our recruitment and selection process.

If you’re a motivated Earthworks Manager looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter, quoting the job reference and title.

We look forward to hearing from you!