Site Operations Manager

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.

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.

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 . click apply for full job details