Job Title: General Foreman (Civil Engineering Main Contractor)

Location: Office West Yorkshire (projects across the Yorkshire region only)

Sector: General Civils | Typical project values: £1 million – £15 million (Average project value £5–8 million, with schemes delivered up to c.£65 million)

Contract: Permanent (PAYE Salary + Benefits)

About the contractor

This is a principal contractor undertaking D&B projects operating solely across Yorkshire, delivering design-and-build infrastructure and public realm projects. Typical work includes:

• New highway schemes and road adaptations

• Cycle paths, tow paths and footpaths

• Bridges and other structures (including large retaining walls)

• Major drainage and flood alleviation schemes

• Public realm and streetscape improvements

Schemes are delivered across the Yorkshire region—typically within the area bounded by Harrogate, York, Hull, Sheffield, and Halifax Current and secured work into 2026 includes projects in and around Huddersfield, Brighouse, Elland, Bradford, Halifax, Barnsley, Sheffield, Kirklees, Scunthorpe, Hull and Rotherham.

Role purpose

We are seeking an experienced and proactive General Foreman to lead all on-site construction activities. You will supervise direct labour and subcontractors to ensure works are delivered safely, on programme, to budget and to the required quality standards—driving operational efficiency and defect-free delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily site operations, setting the standard for health, safety and quality (lead by example).
• Deliver clear site inductions and toolbox talks; brief approved RAMS and ensure all works follow them.
• Manage permits (e.g., PUWER, LOLER, Permit to Dig) and deliver the associated briefings.
• Apply company HSE procedures and maintain all required reports and records.
• Verify that site personnel hold appropriate, task-relevant training; maintain the site training register.
• Act as (or support) the Temporary Works Supervisor; ensure temporary works are controlled.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping and site presentation; achieve consistently high audit/inspection standards.
• Plan works aligned to the master programme; support monthly as-built and look-ahead updates.
• Champion best practice, efficiency and innovation (collaborative planning) and resolve day-to-day delivery issues.
• Schedule, coordinate and allocate supervision for operatives/gangs; ensure site paperwork is completed correctly.
• Keep accurate daily records (diary, progress, labour/plant/materials) and track production.
• Forecast resource needs and communicate requirements to the line manager in good time.
• Manage hire/off-hire of plant and equipment efficiently.
• Drive progress to achieve programme and cost targets; challenge methods to maximise output and minimise waste.
• Measure direct works and verify subcontract works to support the QS; contribute to monthly CVRs.
• Understand subcontract orders and main-contractor attendances; communicate expectations to the wider team.
• Identify risks/opportunities and escalate through concise monthly reporting.
• Use digital systems for documentation, QA and reporting as required.
• Carry out and record inspections and tests (QA/ITPs); coordinate deliveries and conduct material quality checks.
• Liaise professionally with clients, designers, suppliers, third parties and any appointed community/construction liaison officer.
• Ensure full compliance with sector and company quality procedures; recognise and promptly rectify defects.
• Set high standards for the project team and supply chain; coach and mentor site personnel.

Qualifications & experience

• Proven experience delivering large civil engineering schemes (highways, drainage and structures).
• Strong working knowledge of drainage, deep excavations, road construction, structures and temporary works.
• SMSTS (required) and CSCS (minimum Gold).
• Confined Space and Street Works (NRSWA) qualifications preferred.
• First Aid at Work preferred.
• Good IT skills (Microsoft Office and site/reporting platforms).
• Full UK driving licence (clean or low points).

Attributes & behaviours

• Professional, courteous, open and honest; approachable team player.
• “Can do / will do” attitude with strong communication skills.
• Focused, organised and deadline-driven.
• Listens to others, adapts communication style to suit audience (colleagues, client, public).
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.

Package & Why Join

• Very competitive salary and benefits package (including car/allowance, pension and standard industry benefits).
• Long-term commitment to the Yorkshire region only – you’ll be home every night with no requirement to lodge away.
• Interesting and varied civil engineering projects at Stage 1 and Stage 2, acting as a main contractor.
• Cash-rich company with multiple awards and accolades for its management and business performance.
• Strong, secure pipeline: on several regional frameworks with around three-quarters of 2027’s workload already secured, and projects planned into 2028.
• Genuine progression opportunities: ambitious but sustainable growth plans, a clear route for advancement, and plenty of opportunity to rise through the management structure as the business continues to expand.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Your details will not be shared with anyone until we’ve discussed the opportunity in more detail and you’re happy to proceed.

We will also confirm the name of the company hiring for this role during the same conversation.

To apply, simply click “Apply for this Job” on this listing, or email your CV to David@fulcrumrecruit.com. If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to call me on 07880 369 557.