General Foreman
Job Introduction
Skills set: front line supervision/self-delivery
Job location: Noth Acton/ West Ruislip
Accessible by public transport? yes
Working hours: Weekdays with some weekends required
Contract: Permanent
We are seeking an experienced General Foreman – Headhouses & Shafts to oversee construction activities related to underground station headhouses and shaft structures. The successful candidate will have strong experience in structural works, Fit out, external cladding and Roofing , mechanical and electrical (M&E) installations, and architectural fit-out. The role requires close coordination with multidisciplinary teams to ensure works are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards.
Flexible working: We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. This might be part-time, remote working, or compressed hours for example. Anyone who applies for a role can ask about flexibility at interview. In return, we will explore what is possible for the role.
Role Responsibility
- 1. Site Supervision & Coordination
- Supervise daily construction activities for headhouses and shaft structures.
- Coordinate structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural fit-out works.
- Ensure subcontractors adhere to project specifications, drawings, and method statements.
- Liaise with engineers, planners, and project managers to ensure smooth workflow.
2. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Oversight
- Oversee installation of HVAC, ventilation systems, pumps, drainage, fire protection, power distribution, lighting, and control systems.
- Ensure integration between civil/structural works and M&E services.
- Review shop drawings and ensure compliance with approved designs.
- Monitor testing, commissioning, and system handover activities.
3. Fit-Out Supervision
- Supervise internal architectural finishes including partitions, ceilings, flooring, cladding, doors, and finishes.
- Ensure high-quality workmanship in all finishing works.
- Coordinate MEP service interfaces within fit-out areas.
4. Health, Safety & Compliance
- Enforce strict compliance with HSE policies and procedures.
- Conduct toolbox talks and ensure safe systems of work are implemented.
- Monitor risk assessments and permit-to-work systems.
- Ensure compliance with local regulations and industry standards.
5. Quality Control
- Conduct inspections and ensure ITP (Inspection & Test Plan) compliance.
- Identify and resolve construction defects.
- Maintain accurate site records and daily progress reports.
6. Progress Monitoring & Reporting
- Track daily and weekly progress against schedule.
- Report delays, risks, and mitigation measures to project management.
- Support coordination meetings with stakeholders.
The Ideal Candidate
- Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
- Minimum 8–12 years of experience in large infrastructure or underground projects.
- Proven experience supervising headhouses, shafts, or underground station structures.
- Strong background in M&E systems installation and architectural fit-out.
- Experience in testing & commissioning coordination.
- Knowledge of relevant construction standards and safety regulations.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
- Experience on metro, rail, or tunneling projects.
- Familiarity with shaft ventilation systems and underground safety systems.
- Experience working with multinational contractors or joint ventures.
Key Competencies
- Leadership and team management
- Technical problem-solving
- Strong coordination skills
- Quality-focused mindset
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
About the Company
The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK’s new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK’s 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services
The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.
You’ll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join one of our networks for women, military or LGBT+ staff, and participate in cultural and social events with the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador).
Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.
HS2 – working with Skanska, Costain and STRABAG, closely monitors job applications, to ensure an inclusive recruitment process. To ensure we are able to maintain this, and to recruit a diverse workforce, we require candidates to complete the diversity form as part of their application so we are able to monitor and improve our approach to diversity. Please note, all responses are anonymous and we will not share any of your data with other parties. All data will be held securely, (as stated within the Data Protection Act 1998) and will be reported to HS2.
It is an SCSJV requirement that all employees, Design House, and Supply Chains must implement and comply with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System with guidance for use”, OHSAS 18001:2017 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, Policies, Plans, Procedures and Processes, and statutory requirements as they affect the Joint Venture ‘s operations and ensure that the requirements, as applicable within their discipline, are effectively implemented on the project. Develop a culture of safety on the project through the absolute commitment to the Zero Accidents target and ethos, and develops a wider awareness of quality, environmental issues and demonstrates commitment to achieve continual improvement and Zero tolerance.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
SCS Railways is a Disability Confident Leader. We want to encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have an opportunity to display your skills, talent, and abilities. We will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.
Please see the disability confident commitments:
To be considered for an interview under this scheme you have:
- A physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term effect (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities
- Demonstrated in your application and pre-interview stage that you meet the minimum job criteria and person specification for the role
SCS Railways