Senior Site Manager – SEM Tunnelling

We are seeking an experienced Senior Site Manager with extensive Sprayed Concrete Lining (SCL) / Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) tunnelling experience to lead the safe and efficient delivery of complex underground works.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of supervising and managing SEM tunnel construction on major infrastructure projects. They will be responsible for overseeing site operations, ensuring compliance with health, safety, quality, environmental and programme requirements, while leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects safely, on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all on-site SEM tunnelling operations, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
• Manage day-to-day construction activities associated with underground excavation, sprayed concrete lining, temporary works and permanent works.
• Supervise site engineers, supervisors, subcontractors and direct labour.
• Ensure full compliance with project specifications, engineering standards and construction methodologies.
• Coordinate construction activities with engineering, geotechnical, design, planning and commercial teams.
• Review and implement method statements, risk assessments and temporary works procedures.
• Monitor production, programme and productivity, identifying opportunities to improve performance.
• Lead daily briefings, coordination meetings and safety discussions.
• Ensure all works comply with health, safety and environmental legislation and company procedures.
• Manage quality assurance processes including inspections, testing and documentation.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Support planning and sequencing of tunnelling operations to minimise programme risk.
• Drive continuous improvement and promote a positive safety culture across the project.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience supervising and managing SEM (Sequential Excavation Method) / SCL tunnelling projects is essential.
• Significant experience delivering major underground infrastructure projects.
• Proven leadership of site teams on complex tunnelling works.
• Strong knowledge of SEM excavation sequences, sprayed concrete lining, ground support systems, instrumentation and monitoring.
• Experience working in challenging ground conditions and constrained urban environments.
• Thorough understanding of geotechnical risks and underground construction methodologies.
• Experience managing subcontractors and coordinating multiple work fronts.
• Demonstrable experience delivering projects safely, on programme and within budget.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related engineering discipline.
• SMSTS certification.
• CSCS Black or Managers Card.
• First Aid at Work (preferred).
• Temporary Works awareness or Coordinator/Supervisor training (desirable).

Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive knowledge of SEM/SCL tunnelling construction techniques.
• Strong understanding of underground excavation, ground support and tunnel lining systems.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to make sound technical and operational decisions under pressure.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project controls.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital site management systems.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate high-performing teams.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, organised and results driven.
• High attention to detail.
• Calm under pressure and capable of managing complex construction activities.
• Strong commitment to health, safety and quality.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.

Success Measures

• Safe delivery of all SEM tunnelling activities.
• Achievement of programme milestones and production targets.
• High standards of quality and compliance.
• Effective leadership of site teams and subcontractors.
• Positive client and stakeholder relationships.
• Delivery of works within budget while maintaining the highest safety standards.