Senior Construction Manager
JOB ROLE: Senior Construction Manager
REPORTS TO: Head of Production
DEPARTMENT: Production
TYPE: Permanent, Full Time
LOCATION: 5 Hancock Road, London, E3 3DA
THE COMPANY
Bearded Kitten is a global creative experience agency with a portfolio of award-winning work.
Our mission is clear: to fearlessly champion fun and create the unforgettable. Don’t be deceived
by our quirky name – Bearded Kitten is the real deal. From large scale brand experiences to
cultural launch events, from building immersive worlds to conferences and employee
engagement initiatives - we cover it all.
It’s an exciting time to be a Kitten, in the past year the company has grown rapidly and we’ve
worked with some of the world’s biggest brands. With an ever growing client base across the UK
and beyond - this is an opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative team.
THE ROLE
The Senior Construction Manager supports the Head of Construction in overseeing workshop
operations to deliver scenic construction services for Bearded Kitten (the creative experience
agency) and Bearded Kitten Studios (the creative fabrication arm) and their clients.
The Senior Construction Manager supervises the team on a day to day basis, ensuring a safe,
efficient, and pleasant working environment. This role requires an enthusiastic, passionate, and
supportive individual who can lead projects as needed, leveraging their experience to ensure
timely, budget-friendly, and high-quality production on all projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
● A minimum of 5 years experience in the scenic/event construction environment.
● Lead on projects, managing them through the workshop process as directed by the director
of production
● Ability to accurately cost large scale fabrication projects in an ever changing environment.
● Manage fabrication budgets closely and carefully, reconciling accurately and punctually.
● Manage the workshop on a day-to-day basis, supervising and supporting the work of the
team, raising with the director of production any issues or concerns that need to be
addressed.
● Ensure the department's activity conforms to health and safety requirements including risk
assessments, operating procedures and the general policies / procedures of the company.
● Devise solutions to technical challenges and problems within the scenic construction
workshop.
● Maintain good communication and working relationships within the department and wider
teams, as well as external clients and visiting creative teams
● Assist in the professional development of the workshop technicians and workshop
assistants.
● Work from a technical drawing or designer’s model to a high standard.
● Work with the production managers and technical designers to ensure that all assembly
processes are discussed, handed over and documented, enabling efficient fit-ups.
● Work closely with the senior workshop manager to ensure all workshop machinery is
maintained and serviced regularly to the required standard. Ensure the workshop area is kept
safe, clean and tidy at all times.
● Drive Company vehicles including forklift if necessary.
● Any other duties that are reasonably required by the director of production.
THE PERSON
The ideal candidate for this role must be able to demonstrate:
● Relevant work experience in a scenic construction environment.
● Excellent carpentry and/or metal work skills.
● Good understanding of materials used in the Events Industry.
● Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation within a theatrical context.
● People and team management experience.
● Ability to lead others in a workshop environment.
● Excellent interpersonal skills.
● Ability to read and understand drawings, ground plans and elevations.
● A determination and drive for high standards, in themselves and others.
● A desire to improve and learn new skills.
● A willingness to engage in problem solving.
● A flexible approach to dealing with others.
● Experienced at manual handling, especially large and intricate scenery.
● Quick-thinking and decisive, with the ability to make informed and independent decisions.
OTHER DESIRABLE SKILLS:
● A clean driving licence.
● A basic level of IT competency, including CAD.
● Holder of a current CSCS card.
● Directory of excellent freelance fabricators.
● New and alternative supplier options.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
● 25 days paid holiday, plus Bank Holidays. 1 additional day added per year of service up to 5
days.
● Approximately five additional days off over the Christmas/New Year period.
● Hybrid working. Compulsory office days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
● Flexi-time policy.
● Generous overtime policy.
● Discretionary end of year bonus scheme.
● New Business Incentive Scheme from day one.
● Employee Referral Incentive Policy from day one.
● Sabbatical Scheme available after three years of service.
● Work mobile and/or eSim and work laptop.
● Employee assistance programme with free access to mental health resources.
● Enhanced maternity & paternity leave policy after 1 year of full service. 3 months full pay
including statutory for lead carer or 1 month full pay including statutory for second carer.
● Monthly team socials, plus an annual team offsite with overnight stay.
● Season ticket loans offered.
● Cycle to work scheme.
● Guaranteed hilarity and nonsense on a daily basis.