As one of the largest construction and waste management companies in the South West, Smiths has generations of experience – built on a reputation of trust, excellence and commitment.
Specialising in demolition, construction and asbestos removal; transport and plant hire; skip and commercial waste management.
Who are we?
Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.
What we're looking for?
The Earthworks Operations Supervisor will report into the Head of Earthworks and is responsible for the safe, efficient and compliant supervision of all earthworks activities on construction and infrastructure projects. The role ensures that daily operations, including excavation, cut and fill, ground preparation, soil management, haul‑route control and material movements are executed to the required technical standards, programme milestones and environmental constraints.
The prospective employee will provide front‑line leadership to operatives, plant teams and subcontractors, ensuring work is carried out safely, accurately, and in alignment with design specifications, method statements, risk assessments and applicable UK legislation.
Responsibilities for the job role:
Operational Leadership
· Supervise daily earthworks operations including excavation, grading, compaction, embankment construction, stockpiling, and material handling.
· Lead work gangs, plant operators and subcontractors to ensure productivity, quality and safe working practices.
· Allocate tasks, coordinate resources and ensure the correct plant, tools and equipment are available and fit for purpose.
· Monitor progress against programme, identifying risks, delays or resource constraints and escalating where necessary.
Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance
· Ensure all operations comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, site rules and company safety procedures.
· Conduct daily briefings, toolbox talks, site inspections, and point‑of‑work risk assessments.
· Enforce safe systems of work, traffic management plans and exclusion zones.
· Support and promote environmental compliance including soil classification, topsoil preservation, waste control, and pollution‑prevention measures.
Quality Assurance & Technical Standards
· Ensure earthworks are carried out to design levels, tolerances and compaction requirements.
· Work closely with engineering teams to verify setting‑out data and resolve technical queries.
· Check workmanship standards, record test results and ensure rectification of defects.
· Maintain accurate daily records, including plant utilisation, material movements, and site diaries.
Stakeholder Coordination
· Liaise with Smiths Commercial teams, Engineers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Health & Safety teams to support programme delivery.
· Coordinate with haulage contractors, internal plant department and third‑party specialists to maintain efficient operations. This includes ensuring machine control equipment and fuel deliveries arrive on time.
· Act as a point of contact for client representatives, statutory bodies, and environmental inspectors as required. Attend associated meetings as and when required.
Resource & Workforce Management
· Support workforce planning, shift coordination and short‑interval scheduling.
· Mentor junior supervisors and encourage upskilling within the team.
· Manage time between divisions and divisional projects (Plant, Earthworks, Construction) and communicate with them accordingly.
· Contribute to performance reviews, competency assessments and training plans.
Documentation & Reporting
· Produce daily activity reports, plant logs, manpower returns and progress updates.
· Contribute to risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), lifting plans and technical submissions.
· Maintain accurate documentation for audits, quality inspections and compliance checks.
· From time to time you may be expected to be part of special projects as are reasonably required of your job role.
You are responsible for your allocated workload and must meet all targets as agreed with your Line Manager. You must contribute towards the smooth running of the organisation generally.
What can we offer you?
* Life Assurance Scheme
* Free on-site Parking
* Corporate gym membership discount
* Annual Salary Review
* Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
* Company Van
* Progression opportunities
* 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support
What are our core values?
If these values align with yours you are in the right place!
Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.
Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.
Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.
Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.
Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.
Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.