Head of Construction - Life Sciences Division
Location: West of London (Hybrid - 2-3 days in office)
Salary: Up to £150,000 + Bonus (OTE circa £200,000)
Division Turnover: £20-25m
Overview
An established design & build and refurbishment business with a strong technical focus is seeking a Head of Construction to lead their growing Life Sciences division, delivering complex laboratory and technical fit-out projects from RIBA Stage 3 through to completion.
This is a senior leadership position for a construction professional with exceptional technical and managerial ability, capable of driving multiple projects and leading a high-performing delivery team in a demanding, quality-driven environment.
The Role
The Head of Construction will take full ownership of project delivery across the division, overseeing a portfolio of high-spec laboratory projects ranging from £3m-£15m in value. Working alongside the Preconstruction, Design, and Commercial teams, you will ensure excellence in buildability, programme control, and technical execution throughout the project lifecycle.
You will lead a team of highly capable Contracts Managers and Project Managers - individuals who already deliver at a very high level - so the successful candidate must bring both gravitas and deep technical knowledge to add value at every stage.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the construction delivery function across the Life Sciences division (circa £20-25m t/o).
Oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring programme, cost, and quality targets are consistently achieved.
Take responsibility for all post-RIBA Stage 3 delivery, including technical coordination, risk management, procurement strategy, and construction sequencing.
Drive excellence in safety, quality, and technical performance across all live sites.
Support preconstruction activity with input on methodology, buildability, and logistics.
Work closely with design, commercial, and client teams to ensure alignment through each stage.
Mentor and develop Contracts Managers and Project Managers, fostering a culture of accountability and precision.
Requirements
Proven experience delivering complex refurbishment and laboratory / technical projects in a senior leadership capacity.
Strong understanding of RIBA stages 3-6, technical coordination, and design detailing.
Excellent commercial awareness and ability to influence project strategy and outcomes.
Track record of managing multiple high-value projects simultaneously.
Confident, technically astute, and capable of commanding respect from top-tier Contracts Managers and client teams alike.
Ideally degree-qualified in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Package
Base Salary: Up to £150,000
Bonus / OTE: Circa £200,000 (bonus linked to divisional GP performance)
Hybrid Working: Typically 2-3 days per week in the West London office
Eden Brown is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer