Job Description:

Senior Site Manager / Project Manager - Oxford
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus

Location: Oxford

Are you a Senior Site Manager looking for the opportunity to play a leading role on one of Oxford's most significant life sciences developments?


Hays Construction are working with a well-established Berkshire-based main contractor that continues to secure high-profile projects across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley region. With a strong order book and a reputation for delivering complex projects valued between £20m and £50m, they are now looking to appoint a Senior Site Manager for a flagship £40 million life sciences scheme in Oxford.

This is not a standard new build project, The development combines the extensive refurbishment and transformation of existing buildings alongside the construction of new state-of-the-art facilities within a live and highly technical environment. Once complete, the scheme will provide cutting-edge research, laboratory and innovation space for the growing life sciences sector. The project presents all the challenges that experienced construction professionals enjoy, including complex logistics, phased delivery, significant M&E integration, high-specification internal finishes and the coordination of multiple subcontractors across both refurbishment and new build workstreams.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to an experienced Project Manager, you will operate as the site's number two and become a key member of the project leadership team. You will have genuine ownership and responsibility rather than simply managing a package in isolation.
The successful candidate will be heavily involved in:

• Day-to-day management of site operations
• Driving programme and production targets
• Managing subcontractors across multiple work fronts
• Coordinating structural, envelope and internal fit-out packages
• Ensuring high safety, quality and environmental standards
• Leading site meetings and progress reviews
• Problem-solving and maintaining programme momentum
• Liaising with consultants, design teams and client representatives
• Supporting project planning, sequencing and delivery strategy
• Mentoring and developing junior members of the site team

About the Contractor
The business has established itself as one of the region's most respected contractors, delivering projects across:

• Life Sciences
• Commercial
• Education
• Healthcare
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Research & Development Facilities

Their projects typically range from £20m to £50m, and they have a particularly strong presence throughout Oxford, Reading, Newbury, Bracknell and the wider Thames Valley.
They are known for retaining their staff, promoting from within and providing long-term career progression rather than expecting individuals to move from project to project without development opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Senior Site Manager or experienced Site Manager with a main contractor
• Track record delivering projects valued £20m+
• Experience on complex refurbishment and new build schemes
• Strong knowledge of structural works, building envelope and internal fit-out packages
• Previous exposure to life sciences, healthcare, laboratory, commercial or technically complex projects would be highly advantageous
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to drive programme whilst maintaining quality and safety standards
• SMSTS, CSCS and First Aid qualifications

Salary & Benefits

• £70,000 - £80,000 basic salary
• Car allowance
• Performance-related bonus
• Pension contribution
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• Ongoing professional development
• Genuine opportunity to progress into Project Management

How to Apply

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please apply below or contact James Mitchell at Hays Southampton for a confidential conversation.

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