Senior Site Manager

O’Neill & Brennan has become a preferred supplier of staff to many of the largest construction contractors in the UK and Ireland. With over 25 years of industry experience, we deliver first-class recruitment solutions to our clients. Freelance Senior Site Manager - 12 month contract Location: Cornwall (Newbuild Education Project) Are you a seasoned construction leader ready to drive excellence on one of the region's most ambitious newbuild schemes? Our client, a leading Tier 1 national building contractor renowned for delivering high-profile projects across the UK, is seeking a dynamic Senior Site Manager to join their construction team for a 12 month contract duration on a multimillion‑pound education sector development in Cornwall. This flagship project involves the design and construction of a state‑of‑the‑art educational facility, complete with cutting‑edge learning spaces, sustainable features, and community‑integrated amenities. Valued at over £50 million, it is set to transform local education and create lasting impact for generations. As part of a collaborative team with architects, engineers, and subcontractors, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life—from ground‑breaking to handover—while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. Key Responsibilities Reporting to the Project Manager, you help to lead on‑site operations, overseeing all aspects of the build programme, including resource allocation, subcontractor management, and daily coordination to ensure seamless progress against milestones. Champion health, safety, and environmental compliance, conducting regular audits, risk assessments, and toolbox talks to maintain a zero‑incident culture. Collaborate with the project director, client stakeholders, and design teams to resolve technical challenges, manage variations, and optimise build methodologies. Drive quality control through rigorous inspections, material approvals, and snagging processes, ensuring the final deliverable exceeds client expectations. Report on KPIs. Foster strong team dynamics, mentoring junior site staff and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Liaise with local authorities, utilities, and community groups to navigate site logistics, traffic management, and stakeholder engagement in line with Cornwall’s unique environmental sensitivities. What We’re Looking For Proven track record as a Site Manager or Senior Site Manager on large‑scale newbuild projects (ideally £20m+ value) within the education, commercial, or public sector. Strong technical knowledge of modern construction techniques, including modular builds, BIM integration, and sustainable practices (e.g., BREEAM accreditation). Relevant qualifications such as SMSTS, CSCS Black Card, First Aid at Work, and IOSH/NEBOSH certification. Excellent leadership and communication skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams of 50+ and handling complex client relationships. Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Asta Powerproject, MS Project) and a proactive approach to problem‑solving in fast‑paced environments. A passion for the education sector and a commitment to delivering projects that make a real difference—previous experience in Cornwall or the South West is a bonus. Please note rate advertised is PAYE – No CIS available for this contract. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to have an initial confidential discussion as to where you are in your career journey or would like to know more about this role. Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level Employment Type: Full‑time Job Function: Project Management and Information Technology Industries: Construction #J-18808-Ljbffr