Head of Major Works

Job Category : Interims

Location : London Borough of Haringey

Hours Per Week : 36.00

Start Date : immediate Start

Start Time : 09:00

End Time : 17:30

Salary: £619.04

Main Responsibilities (in addition to indicative accountabilities on generic profile):

1.         To take overall responsibility for managing the capital programme from inception to completion to a high level of construction excellence. 

2.         To manage diverse teams of technical staff, consultants, and building contractors to ensure our annual objectives are met, that the terms of our contracts are complied with and good value of money is achieved 

3.         To provide outstanding leadership, motivation and support to staff, and to ensure all staff are recruited, trained, managed and appraised as appropriate. 

4.         To prepare committee and Board reports as necessary, and ensure approvals are sought via the appropriate governance channels 

5.         To ensure the programme is procured and managed in a manner which allows for the full recovery of works charges from leaseholders 

6.         To ensure that requirements outlined within contracts are delivered and that the necessary action taken where contractual obligations are not being met.

7.         To work with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop clear project briefs, governance and reporting frameworks, and performance monitoring throughout the lifecycle of capital projects.  Put in place clear and effective arrangements for engaging service users (internal and external); partner organisations; related services; and the wider community in the development of services and / or the achievement of strategic outcomes.

8.         To report accurately on project progress, highlighting significant risks or issues which could impact the projects successful delivery 

9.         To work with the Commercial and Contracts Manager to ensure that accurate spend forecasts and budgets are prepared as part of the monitoring process 

10.       To proactively manage risk, identifying problems before they arise, and any risks/issues are escalated via appropriate channels to senior officers and members.

11.       To ensure projects are compliant with relevant procurement legislations and the company’s standing orders 

12.       Where necessary to prepare business cases to support the funding of proposed capital works projects or new commissions 

13.       To develop new processes and internal guidance documents to support the delivery of projects 

14.       To advise, consult and communicate with stakeholders on progress 

15.       To work effectively with the knowledge management team, ensuring that data and information flow is accurate and regular 

16.       To work collaboratively with the Mechanical and Electrical team and Repairs Service to ensure work is joined up 

17.       Undertake any other duties reasonably required that are consistent with the grade and basic objectives of the post

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience (in addition to those on generic profile):

1.         Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant working experience.  Relevant professional qualification in project management, building construction or related disciplines 

2.         A track record of successfully delivering large, complex construction related capital works projects, including planning, managing and monitoring, to deliver desired outcomes within specified time, quality and budget parameters. 

3.         Demonstrable experience of delivering service improvements and/or transformation within a housing environment which delivered excellent outcomes.

4.         Experience of managing various contracts including knowledge of  JCT, PPC and NEC

5.         Experience of leading and managing high performing teams   Excellent manager of people and resources with a track record of delivering complex projects and programmes. And being able to lead teams through periods of change 

6.         Experience of managing and overseeing a diverse range of professional services to deliver complex and challenging construction projects 

7.         Experience of operating in a commercial environment 

8.         Experience of delivering estate renewal projects

9.         Able to lead and deliver under pressure of time, budget and customer involvement at all times

10.       Good time management and project management skills 

11.       Able to manage a diverse portfolio of projects with a complex range of stakeholders 

12.       Able to work in areas where the individual has no direct experience, drawing on professional services to support delivery 

13.       Knowledge of procurement legislation 

14.       Knowledge of the construction industry and awareness of new and innovative working practices including technical knowledge of building construction 

15.       Ability to assess risk and promote a balanced and proactive approach to risk and risk mitigation across the programme without being risk averse

16.       Understanding knowledge and ability to follow guidelines that ensure compliance with Health and Safety at Work, Data Protection and other statutory requirements.

17.       Understanding and commitment to promoting and implementing the Council’s Equal Opportunities policies.

18.       Knowledge and experience of using relevant IT

Indicative Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

          Deep and detailed knowledge of principles and practices gained through extensive experience and development in a specific field.

          Degree level or equivalent qualification plus relevant experience.

          Membership of appropriate professional body by examination e.g. CIPFA, RICS or evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

          Excellent communication skills.

          Ability to work with high level internal and external stakeholders.

          Ability to manage complex service delivery within a challenging and political environment.

          Understands the commercial context of the service they provide.

          Ability to exercise initiative and good judgement in delivering service and Council aims and objectives.