Full job descriptionGeneral Foreman

Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Start Date: 1st October 2026
Duration: 28 Weeks
Rate: £300 – £350 per day, depending on experience
Hours: Full-time, site-based
Job OverviewErnest May are currently recruiting for an experienced General Foreman to join a major civils and infrastructure project in Felixstowe.
The project involves the removal of a large existing crane track used for container handling, followed by the installation of a new, significantly larger crane track. The works will include extensive groundworks, drainage, excavation, concrete and civils activities to prepare the site for the new crane infrastructure.
We are looking for a strong, experienced General Foreman who has a proven background managing large-scale civils, groundworks and infrastructure projects and is confident overseeing multiple teams and subcontractors in a busy working environment.
Key Responsibilities*Overseeing day-to-day civils and groundworks operations on site
*Supervising and coordinating gangs, subcontractors and plant
*Managing excavation, earthworks, drainage and associated civils activities
*Coordinating the removal of the existing crane track
*Overseeing the installation of the new, larger crane track
*Ensuring works are completed safely, efficiently and to the required specification
*Reading and working from drawings, specifications and RAMS
*Setting out and checking works where required
*Monitoring productivity, quality and progress
*Coordinating labour, plant and materials
*Liaising with Site Managers, Project Managers, engineers and subcontractors
*Carrying out regular site inspections and ensuring a high standard of workmanship
*Maintaining strong health & safety standards across the site
*Reporting progress and any issues to the Site Management team
*Ensuring the project remains on programme and within the required standards
RequirementsThe successful candidate will have:
*Proven experience working as a General Foreman / Civils Foreman on major construction or infrastructure projects
*Strong experience in civils and groundworks
*Previous experience overseeing drainage, excavation and large-scale groundworks
*Experience managing multiple gangs and subcontractors
*Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications
*Strong knowledge of construction health & safety requirements
*Excellent communication and leadership skills
*Ability to work under pressure and manage a busy site environment
*A strong understanding of sequencing and coordinating civils works
Tickets / QualificationsCandidates should hold the relevant industry qualifications and tickets expected of a General Foreman, ideally including:
*CSCS – Gold Card / relevant supervisory or management qualification
*SSSTS or SMSTS
*CPCS or NPORS where applicable
*First Aid
*CAT & Genny / service avoidance experience
*Any additional relevant civils, lifting, plant or site management qualifications would be advantageous
What We Offer*£300 – £350 per day, depending on experience
*28-week project
*Long-term work on a major infrastructure project
*Start date of 1st October 2026
*Opportunity to work on a large-scale and technically challenging civils package
If you are an experienced General Foreman with a strong civils and groundworks background and are looking for a long-term project in the Felixstowe area, we would be keen to hear from you.