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.

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.