General Foreman – Civil Engineering (Main Contractor)

Permanent | PAYE Salary + Benefits | North East projects (home every night)

South Durham • Teesside • North Yorkshire

Starting March \ April 2026

A well-established civil engineering main contractor is looking to appoint an experienced General Foreman to take ownership of on-site delivery across a varied programme of design-and-build infrastructure and public realm schemes. Projects typically sit in the £1m–£15m range (average £5m–£8m), with the capability to deliver substantially larger schemes when required.

This is a long-term, secure opportunity with a strong pipeline already secured well into 2027/2028, and a genuine route to progress as the business continues to grow.

The Company

Operating solely across the North East, this principal contractor delivers a broad mix of D&B civils works, including:

• Highway schemes and road adaptations
• Cycle paths, tow paths and footpaths
• Structures including bridges and major retaining walls
• Drainage and flood alleviation schemes
• Public realm and streetscape improvements

There is a particularly strong run of work coming up across areas including Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Guisborough and Scarborough (plus wider regional delivery).

The Role

As General Foreman, you’ll lead site activities day-to-day—setting standards, driving safe production, and ensuring works are delivered right first time. You’ll supervise direct labour and subcontractors, coordinate resources, keep clear records, and remove blockers to keep momentum on site.

This is a hands-on role for someone who takes pride in site standards, communicates well, and keeps programmes moving without compromising safety or quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily site operations, setting the benchmark for H&S, quality and productivity
• Deliver inductions/toolbox talks and brief RAMS, ensuring full compliance
• Manage permits (e.g., PUWER, LOLER, Permit to Dig) and related briefings
• Maintain HSE records, reports and registers (including training records)
• Support/act as Temporary Works Supervisor and ensure controls are followed
• Maintain strong housekeeping and site presentation; achieve high audit scores
• Plan and sequence works to the programme; support look-aheads and as-built updates
• Coordinate gangs, supervision, plant, materials and subcontractors efficiently
• Keep accurate daily records (diary, progress, labour/plant/materials)
• Forecast resource requirements and communicate needs early
• Manage plant hire/off-hire and drive cost awareness on site
• Measure direct works and verify subcontract works to support the QS/CVR process
• Complete inspections/tests (QA/ITPs), manage deliveries and materials quality checks
• Liaise professionally with the client team, designers, suppliers and stakeholders
• Coach and mentor site personnel—driving standards and continuous improvement

What We’re Looking For

• Strong background delivering civil engineering schemes (highways, drainage, public realm, paths/cycleways etc.)
• Solid understanding of drainage, deep excavations, road construction, and ideally temporary works
• SMSTS or SSSTS (essential) + CSCS
• Confined Space and NRSWA (preferred)
• First Aid at Work (preferred)
• Good IT skills (MS Office and site reporting / digital QA systems)
• Full UK driving licence (clean/low points)

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable, open and honest
• “Can do / will do” mindset with confident communication
• Organised, proactive and deadline-driven
• Able to adapt communication style to workforce, client and public
• Takes feedback well and genuinely cares about improving standards

Package & Why Join

• Very competitive salary + strong benefits (car/car allowance, pension and standard industry benefits)
• Regional work only – no lodging away; home every night
• Interesting, varied main-contractor civils projects (Stage 1 & Stage 2 delivery)
• Cash-rich, award-winning business with an excellent reputation
• Secure workload: around three-quarters of 2027 already secured, with planned work into 2028
• Clear progression route with genuine opportunity to rise through the structure

Apply / Confidentiality

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Your details will not be shared with anyone until we’ve discussed the role in more detail and you’re happy to proceed. The hiring company’s name will be confirmed during the same conversation.

To apply, click “Apply for this Job” on this listing, or email your CV to cv@fulcrumrecruit.com

Questions before applying? Call 07880 369 557.