Who Is Walter Lilly?

Walter Lilly is a premier provider of high quality construction services for London and the South East’s finest landmark and heritage buildings, alongside state-of-the-art science and higher education facilities. With over 100 years experience, we bring bold, complex projects to life. Our clients come to us for the best, expecting results that stand out on a global stage.

Boasting an impressive track record of unique projects, we work with industry-leading architects, engineers, interior designers, and highly skilled tradespeople on a portfolio ranging from the UK’s most recognisable listed attractions to cutting-edge contemporary structures.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Construction Manager to join one of the UK's leading construction specialists, working on a flagship science and laboratory project.

Reporting directly to the Project Leader, you will act as their trusted deputy and play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of a technically complex laboratory development, helping to drive programme, quality, safety, client relationships and operational performance.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary

• 26 days' annual leave

• Private medical insurance

• Income protection insurance

• Automatic enrolment to company pension scheme ('opt out' available)

• Travel expenses

Our Culture

At Walter Lilly, we work with each other and our clients in the spirit of collaboration. We recognise the expertise of those who have been with us for many years whilst investing in the next generation of rising industry stars, combining invaluable experience with fresh, innovative thinking.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential. We strive to create a culture where employees can bring themselves to work in line with our core values of integrity, honesty, and fairness.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Construction Manager to support the delivery of a major laboratory construction and fit-out project. Working as part of the project leadership team, you will be responsible for managing day-to-day construction activities, coordinating site operations and ensuring the successful delivery of works within a highly technical and regulated environment.

This role is ideally suited to an individual with experience delivering laboratory fit-out projects, life sciences, pharmaceutical or other highly serviced technical facilities. Candidates with a strong understanding of complex MEP installations, commissioning activities and stakeholder management will be particularly well suited. Previous laboratory fit-out experience is highly desirable and will be strongly preferred.

Due to the location of the project, regular travel to site will be required and a full UK driving licence is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day construction operations across the laboratory construction and fit-out works.

• Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and site teams to achieve programme milestones and project objectives.

• Ensure all activities are delivered safely and in compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards.

• Monitor programme performance, identifying and mitigating risks, delays and constraints.

• Coordinate building services installations and interfaces within highly serviced environments.

• Work closely with clients, consultants, specialist designers and end users to support successful project delivery.

• Manage site logistics, sequencing and construction planning activities.

• Support project reporting, progress reviews and stakeholder meetings.

• Collaborate with commercial teams to monitor costs, variations and project performance.

• Champion quality throughout the build, commissioning and handover phases.

• Foster a collaborative and solutions-focused culture across the project team.

• Support the wider project leadership team in achieving programme, quality and safety objectives.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Proven experience as a Construction Manager, Site Manager, Project Manager or similar construction delivery role.

• Laboratory fit-out experience is strongly preferred, although candidates from life sciences, pharmaceutical, healthcare, research or other highly technical construction environments will also be considered.

• Strong understanding of building services coordination, commissioning processes and complex technical installations.

• Experience managing subcontractors and coordinating multiple workstreams within live or technically complex projects.

• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills.

• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities.

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to project delivery.

• Comprehensive knowledge of construction methodologies, quality management processes and health and safety legislation.

• SMSTS, CSCS and First Aid qualifications.

• Due to the location of the site, a full UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle are strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK.

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

If your skill set matches the above, and the prospect of helping deliver some of the country’s finest projects appeals to you, please reach out via the button shown.

Your application will be processed by Walter Lilly and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as suitable candidates apply. We therefore encourage you to submit ASAP to avoid missing out.