About the Trust
We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?
Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Join Our Team: Site Supervisor – Kidsgrove/Congleton/Macclesfield
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Join the Canal & River Trust as a Site Supervisor and help maintain one of the UK’s most treasured networks. Lead a team, deliver high-quality maintenance, and make a real impact on your community.
The Direct Services team delivers the essential, on the groundwork that keeps our waterways running - from planned maintenance and construction projects to emergency repairs and heritage restoration. They combine skilled trades, practical know how and a real passion for the outdoors to repair infrastructure, respond to urgent issues, and look after the place's communities love. Their work makes a visible difference every single day.
Working Hours & Location
This role works under an annualised hours system and typically operates 5 days out of 7, which may include weekends and statutory holidays. At times, operational demands may require working more than 5 days within a 7 day period.
You will also be part of a 24 hour operational standby rota, providing emergency cover when needed. New starters will only join the on call rota once they are fully trained and confident in the role. New starters are not expected to take part in the on call rota until trained and confident in role.
You’ll be based at our Pipers yard, Kidsgrove and will travel across the North West region, with occasional work supporting neighbouring areas. Main canal networks include: Trent and Mersey/Macclesfield/Peak forest canals
Role overview
You lead a small team to deliver safe, high quality construction and maintenance work. You plan daily tasks, drive RAMS and temporary works, support apprentices and volunteers, coordinate with teams and contractors, manage site logistics and equipment, champion safety, and handle material orders, cost tracking, and team briefs.
This role includes both on site and office based responsibilities, with approximately an 80/20 split.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and motivate a team on construction and maintenance tasks.
- Plan and supervise daily work, ensuring safety and quality. This includes risk assessments, method statements, and being a Temporary Works Supervisor.
- Support apprentices and volunteers with guidance and mentoring.
- Coordinate with teams and contractors to deliver projects.
- Manage tools, equipment, and site logistics.
- Report incidents and promote site safety.
- Assist with ordering materials and tracking costs, while also helping to prepare risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) and supporting the delivery of team briefs.
About you
We’re looking for someone with hands-on experience in construction or maintenance, ideally with a background in managing works on site. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, along with a focus on safety and quality. You should be flexible, proactive, and comfortable using tools, equipment, and basic IT systems. Strong IT confidence is required to complete reports, update records and manage operational documentation.
Skills & Qualifications
- Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g. City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2).
- Experience leading or supervising a team, ideally within a construction environment.
- Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations and ability to enforce safe working practices on site.
- Competent in using tools and equipment.
- Comfortable using a smartphone and work-related apps.
- Full and current UK driving license.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at
[email protected]. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer a starting salary of £32,750, with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1(https://canalrivertrust.pagetiger.com/cqhhihy/1)
#INDMP
Our values
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.
At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us
