Project & Operations Manager
John Briggs & Son Masonry Ltd | Mundesley, Norfolk | Full-time
Restoration & Conservation of Historic Buildings
About Us
John Briggs & Son Masonry Ltd is a specialist masonry contractor based in Norfolk. We focus on the restoration and conservation of historic buildings — principally church and heritage masonry (listed churches, ancient monuments, GYPT) and Heritage Homes (listed residential properties, period farmhouses, estate buildings). Our work demands a high standard of craft, a genuine understanding of traditional materials, and care for buildings that have stood for centuries.
The business is in a genuine growth phase — we have the work, the reputation, and the craft capability. What we now need is the operational structure to match.
Why This Role Exists
Right now, our Managing Director manages business development, estimating, and commercial management — and also runs masonry main contract projects. That works at a certain scale. It does not work at the scale we are heading towards.
We need someone to take projects off the MD's desk from the moment a contract is awarded: set them up properly — programme, procurement, CDM, site logistics, subcontractors — before a spade goes in the ground, and then manage delivery through to practical completion.
We believe this hire will directly improve our gross margin. Better mobilisation means fewer surprises on site. Tighter procurement means better buying. Proper programmes mean labour and materials arrive when they are needed. We are targeting a 10-12%increase in Gross profit, and structured project management is the primary lever to get there.
The Role
You will take full ownership of projects from contract award to practical completion. At any one time you will be managing four to six concurrent projects across church restoration and heritage homes,— typically ranging from £50,000 to £500,000 in value.
Mobilisation
– Lead mobilisation from contract award: programme, procurement schedule, pre-start meeting, site set-up
– Prepare and review Construction Phase Plans
– Coordinate Building Control and statutory approvals
– Onboard and competency-check subcontractors before works commence
– Ensure full CDM compliance before every site start
Delivery
– Manage live projects simultaneously, with regular site visits
– Monitor progress against programme and act when things slip
– Manage subcontractor performance; coordinate labour and resource
– Identify and resolve delivery risks early
– Chair progress meetings and maintain project records
Quality
– Carry out quality inspections and manage snagging through to handover
– Ensure workmanship meets the standards our clients and heritage contracts demand
Commercial
– Support procurement and package buying
– Flag variations and scope changes promptly
– Support cost reporting; ensure information is in place for valuations and payment applications
– Highlight commercial risks to the Managing Director
Client Management
– Act as day-to-day client contact during delivery
– Communicate clearly, manage expectations, and protect the company's reputation on every project
What Success Looks Like After 12 Months
– You are independently mobilising new projects without MD involvement
– You are managing four to six concurrent projects
– MD involvement in daily project management has reduced by more than 50%
– Gross margin is improving as a direct result of better mobilisation and procurement
– The business has the operational capacity to grow from current position towards £2.5 million turnover
What We Are Looking For
Essential
– Five or more years managing construction projects
– Experience delivering refurbishment, residential, or heritage projects
– Strong understanding of construction sequencing and programming
– Knowledge of CDM Regulations and Construction Phase Plans
– Experience managing subcontractors and suppliers
– Organised, a clear communicator, comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously
Desirable
– Heritage and listed building experience — strongly preferred given the nature of our work
– SMSTS
– NEBOSH Construction Certificate
– First Aid at Work
– Construction degree, HNC or HND
What We Offer
– Salary set based on experience
– Company van provided
– 28 days holiday including bank holidays
– A senior role with genuine influence over how the business operates
– The opportunity to build an operations function from scratch in a growing specialist contractor
If you have worked in construction project management and want a role where you can see the direct impact of your work — in the quality of buildings that will stand for centuries — we would like to hear from you.
To apply: Send your CV and a brief covering note to [email protected]
John Briggs & Son Masonry Ltd | 41 Cromer Road, Mundesley, Norfolk, NR11 8DA
Pay: £35,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
