Head of Construction

Head of Construction – Life Sciences Division

Location: West of London (Hybrid – 2-3 days in office)
Salary: Up to £150,000 + Bonus (OTE circa £200,000)
Division Turnover: £20-25m

Overview

An established design & build and refurbishment business with a strong technical focus is seeking a Head of Construction to lead their growing Life Sciences division, delivering complex laboratory and technical fit-out projects from RIBA Stage 3 through to completion.

This is a senior leadership position for a construction professional with exceptional technical and managerial ability, capable of driving multiple projects and leading a high-performing delivery team in a demanding, quality-driven environment.

The Role

The Head of Construction will take full ownership of project delivery across the division, overseeing a portfolio of high-spec laboratory projects ranging from £3m-£15m in value. Working alongside the Preconstruction, Design, and Commercial teams, you will ensure excellence in buildability, programme control, and technical execution throughout the project lifecycle.

You will lead a team of highly capable Contracts Managers and Project Managers – individuals who already deliver at a very high level – so the successful candidate must bring both gravitas and deep technical knowledge to add value at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

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Lead the construction delivery function across the Life Sciences division (circa £20-25m t/o).

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Oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring programme, cost, and quality targets are consistently achieved.

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Take responsibility for all post-RIBA Stage 3 delivery, including technical coordination, risk management, procurement strategy, and construction sequencing.

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Drive excellence in safety, quality, and technical performance across all live sites.

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Support preconstruction activity with input on methodology, buildability, and logistics.

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Work closely with design, commercial, and client teams to ensure alignment through each stage.

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Mentor and develop Contracts Managers and Project Managers, fostering a culture of accountability and precision.

Requirements

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Proven experience delivering complex refurbishment and laboratory / technical projects in a senior leadership capacity.

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Strong understanding of RIBA stages 3-6, technical coordination, and design detailing.

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Excellent commercial awareness and ability to influence project strategy and outcomes.

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Track record of managing multiple high-value projects simultaneously.

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Confident, technically astute, and capable of commanding respect from top-tier Contracts Managers and client teams alike.

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Ideally degree-qualified in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Package

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Base Salary: Up to £150,000

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Bonus / OTE: Circa £200,000 (bonus linked to divisional GP performance)

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Hybrid Working: Typically 2-3 days per week in the West London office

Eden Brown is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer