Introduction & Key Role Objectives
WJ Groundwater is the leading construction dewatering and groundwater specialist in the UK with operations in Canada, the Middle East, Poland & the Philippines. We have specialized plant and equipment that allows us to install custom dewatering systems in various environments including from within tunnels and shafts and from the surface.
The principal function of this position is to act as the site leader, directing the site team and providing support for the Project Managers. This is a hands-on Foreman role which involves more than just supervision, requiring the individual to be actively involved in the work and physically capable of performing labor-intensive tasks.
We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our employees. We provide extensive internal and external training programs, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career advancement paths to help our team members achieve their full potential. By promoting a supportive and dynamic environment, we ensure our employees thrive and contribute to our company's ongoing success and innovation.
Reports to West Coast Project Manager
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Act as the on-site point of contact for clients and lead the WJ operations team in daily activities to ensure WJ systems are properly installed, commissioned and maintained.
- Coordinate site activities with clients site staff to ensure proper access is provided and all equipment is on site and stored in a safe location.
- Demonstrate a firm understanding of dewatering and water treatment systems and installation processes.
- Supervise the activities of the WJ site crews to ensure the achievement of project objectives and alignment with both business & client needs.
- Monitor and validate man hours of operations staff (including overtime) to ensure works are performed on schedule.
- Aid in the coaching, training and development of site staff.
- Ensure high quality records are provided on a weekly basis to Project Managers for reporting and commercial purposes.
- Demonstrate and lead by example the operation of tools, equipment and systems.
- Ensure the equipment is consistently presented to a high level to promote a professional image to the customer.
- Attend progress and planning meetings (e.g. weekly operations meeting) alongside Project Managers to provide practical input, raise onsite concerns, and give feedback on tentative schedules.
- Assist with and lead site maintenance and installation activities.
- Prepare material lists for dewatering and water treatment system installation and maintenance.
- Monitor the performance of dewatering and water treatment systems; make recommendations for optimizing system performance.
- Be responsible for own health and safety and that of colleagues, in accordance with current construction guidance and relevant legislation.
The above is not exhaustive and you will be expected to undertake any other duties that may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and competence.
Qualifications & Experience
- A motivated and hardworking individual with good verbal communication skills is essential.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Dewatering Labourer/Operative or a similar position within the construction industry.
- Proven leadership in WJ projects across various conditions and equipment.
- Strong team management skills with proven ability to plan, organize, and schedule workloads for both self and others.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the capability of identify maintenance issues and recommend solutions.
- An understanding of WJ systems, equipment and technology is essential.
- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and manually lift heavy objects.
- Experience working with dewatering and pumping systems and/or water treatment will be considered an asset.
- A valid drivers licence and access to a vehicle are required
Working Conditions
This role is predominately site-based and involves installing dewatering systems in both outdoor and indoor environments, including tunnels, adits, and shafts, which are classified as low to medium risk confined spaces. This role is physically demanding, requiring extended periods of standing, frequent heavy lifting, and repetitive tasks. Comfort with working in all weather conditions, on heavy industrial construction sites, and within confined spaces is essential.
Standard working hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility needed. Overtime may be required on evenings and weekends, and it can often be at short notice based on client demands.