Job Description

At Retirement Villages Group, we believe that ageing should be about freedom, not compromise.

We’re on a mission to redefine retirement living in the UK, creating vibrant, inclusive communities where people can live independently, stay connected and age well on their own terms.

We have ambitious plans for the future and are looking for an experienced Head of Construction to join us on a 9-12 month fixed-term contract and lead the successful delivery and close-out of our current construction and investment programme.

The Role

Reporting to our Property Director, you will take the lead on RVG’s construction delivery programme, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality.

This is a hands-on leadership role with an immediate focus on driving delivery, resolving outstanding issues and bringing projects through to successful completion and handover.

Your key areas of focus will include:

• Completing, handing over and closing out our remaining Thrive schemes
• Leading delivery of our committed Landlord Improvement Plan programme across our operational village portfolio
• Overseeing the residential buy-back refurbishment programme
• Leading and developing our Project Management team and Head of Refurbishments
• Maintaining strong control of project cost, programme, quality, risk and commercial performance
• Ensuring completed projects are successfully transitioned into the operational business

You’ll quickly get to grips with an established programme, identify the critical priorities and bring the pace, structure and leadership needed to successfully close out complex projects.

There is also potential for this role to be extended or become permanent as our future investment programme develops. This could see the remit expand to include taking new projects through approval, procurement, tendering and contracting, before leading them through delivery.

What You'll Be Doing

Leading Programme Delivery

You’ll take ownership of all live construction projects, ensuring they are delivered against agreed cost, programme, quality and safety requirements.

This will include:

• Driving the completion, handover and close-out of live projects
• Identifying delivery risks early and taking decisive action where projects are at risk of delay, cost escalation or quality issues
• Managing defects, outstanding works, warranties, certification and final accounts
• Overseeing the delivery of refurbishment and improvement programmes across our portfolio
• Managing external consultants, contractors and suppliers to achieve agreed outcomes
• Reviewing design and technical proposals to optimise buildability, cost, programme and operational performance

Leading the Team

You’ll provide clear leadership to our Project Management team and Head of Refurbishments, creating accountability and maintaining momentum during a demanding period of delivery.

You’ll:

• Set clear priorities and performance expectations
• Ensure resources are focused on the projects and issues that matter most
• Provide support, direction and challenge to maintain pace and accountability
• Build strong collaboration across Property, Operations, Asset Management, Sales and Finance

Commercial, Risk & Governance

You’ll maintain strong oversight of project budgets, forecasts and commercial performance.

This will include managing:

• Budgets, forecasts and cost reporting
• Variations, claims and final accounts
• Defects and making-good obligations
• Project and departmental risk registers
• Construction contracts, consultant appointments, warranties and project documentation
• Procurement and approval processes
• Construction health and safety matters

You’ll also ensure robust defects management protocols are in place and project KPIs are consistently monitored and achieved.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

You’ll be comfortable operating at a senior level and communicating complex project information clearly and concisely.

You’ll provide regular reporting on programme, cost, risk, quality and key decisions, as well as preparing updates for the Executive Team and Board where required.

A key part of the role will also be ensuring projects are successfully handed over into the operational business, with clear documentation, knowledge transfer and management of any residual risks.

About You

You’ll be an experienced construction leader with a strong track record of delivering and closing out complex construction or refurbishment projects.

You may currently be working as a Head of Construction, Senior Project Manager, Construction Director or Quantity Surveyor, and will bring strong commercial awareness alongside excellent project and people leadership skills.

You’ll ideally have:

• Significant experience leading complex construction or refurbishment programmes
• A strong track record of successfully completing and closing out projects
• Excellent knowledge of project controls, construction contracts, procurement, cost management and risk management
• Strong commercial and financial awareness
• Experience managing consultants, contractors and suppliers
• The ability to quickly take control of an established programme and identify critical delivery priorities
• Previous experience leading and managing teams
• A pragmatic, decisive and solutions-focused approach
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Confidence operating with senior management, Executive and Board-level stakeholders
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear recommendations

A relevant degree is preferred, and professional qualifications such as RICS, MCIOB or equivalent would be desirable, although not essential.

Why Join RVG?

This is an opportunity to make a real impact on a significant programme of investment and construction activity, working across a diverse portfolio of retirement communities.

You’ll join a collaborative business with ambitious plans for the future and play a key role in ensuring our projects are successfully delivered for the benefit of our residents, communities and wider business.

At RVG, our values are at the heart of everything we do:

Age Well

We create a world where everyone has the opportunity to age well.

Community

We believe in the power of community.

Keep Improving

We get things done and always look for ways to improve.

Invest Wisely

We treat every penny as if it were our own.

Planet Positive

We recognise the climate emergency and work hard to have a positive impact on the planet.

One Team

We support one another and try, succeed and learn together.

If you're an experienced construction leader who enjoys taking ownership, solving complex challenges and driving projects through to successful completion, we'd love to hear from you.