Civils General Foreman

OCU Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a General Foreman to manage site operations, ensuring projects are delivered safely and efficiently. Responsibilities include overseeing personnel, enforcing health and safety compliance, and managing resources and budget. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in civils construction, relevant health and safety certifications, and strong leadership skills. This is an exciting opportunity to lead teams and contribute to high-quality construction work.

Benefits

Opportunity for career growth

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Strong company values

Qualifications

• Experience in civils construction management with proven experience as a General Foreman.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
• Certification in health and safety management (NEBOSH or IOSH) required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations at the construction site ensuring timely progress.
• Implement health and safety protocols to ensure safe working conditions.
• Lead site personnel, while providing guidance and training.

Skills

Civils construction management

Health and safety compliance

Communication skills

Leadership abilities

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant degree in construction management or civil engineering

Tools

Project management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Role Overview

The General Foreman is responsible for the dayto‑day site management of civils works, leading operatives, plant, and subcontractors to deliver safe, high‑quality, and productive works in line with programme and method statements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Site Supervision: Oversee day‑to‑day operations at the construction site, ensuring work progresses according to schedule and meets quality standards.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Implement and enforce health and safety protocols to create a safe working environment for all personnel on‑site.
• Resource Management: Coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers, and site personnel to ensure the availability of resources and materials needed for the project.
• Budget Control: Monitor project expenses and expenditures to ensure adherence to the budget, identifying cost‑saving opportunities where possible.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain high‑quality standards throughout the construction process, conducting inspections and quality checks to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations.
• Problem‑solving: Identify and address any issues or obstacles that arise during construction, implementing effective solutions to keep the project on track.
• Team Leadership: Lead and motivate site personnel, providing guidance, support, and training as needed to ensure optimal performance and productivity.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of project activities, including daily progress reports, change orders, and correspondence with stakeholders.

Key Delivery Responsibilities

• Directly manage site teams delivering civils activities.
• Plan daily and weekly works, allocating labour, plant, and materials.
• Ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently, and to specification.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, quality, and productivity.
• Lead site briefings, toolbox talks, and inductions.
• Ensure RAMS are followed and works comply with H&S legislation.
• Liaise with site management, engineers, and the Civils Delivery Lead.
• Identify and resolve site issues, risks, and constraints.
• Record progress, productivity, and site reporting.
• Support weekend working when required.

Skills and Experience

• Experience: Significant experience in civils construction management, proven experience as a Foreman / General Foreman in civils work.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and techniques, as well as familiarity with relevant regulations and industry standards. Strong understanding of drainage, RC works, earthworks, trenching, and ducting.
• Health and Safety Certification: Certification in health and safety management (e.g., NEBOSH or IOSH) is often required to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. SMSTS is essential.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with clients, subcontractors, and site personnel. Ability to lead and motivate site teams.
• Leadership Abilities: Strong leadership and decision‑making skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire team members to achieve project goals.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and time‑management abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Problem‑solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and develop practical solutions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Qualifications: A relevant degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field is typically required, although equivalent experience may be considered.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite, as well as familiarity with building information modelling (BIM) software, is advantageous.

Desirable

• First Aid at Work
• Temporary Works Supervisor
• Street Works (NRSWA)

Driven by values, powered by inclusion.

At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong.

Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.

If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.