Senior Agent

Due to Costain's success in securing a Simister Island improvement framework we have a unique opportunity for a Senior Agent with highways and roads experience.

Costain has been appointed as Delivery Integration Partner by National Highways (NH) for delivery of the £240m improvement of the Simister Island M60/M62/M66 interchange (M60 Junction 18), north of Manchester. As Delivery Integration Partner, Costain will overhaul the busy junction involving complex traffic management to keep tens of thousands of vehicles moving whilst construction takes place.

The works consist of:

• A new free flow ‘northern loop’ link road to take drivers directly from M60 eastbound to M60 southbound without exiting the motorway

• M66 mainline southbound widening and southbound slip road realignment to allow for construction of the northern loop

• A widened connector road from M60 northbound to M60 westbound – replacing the current single lane with two lanes

• Adding an extra lane in each direction on the M60 Junctions 17 to 18 (increasing from 4 to 5 lanes) while retaining the hard shoulders

• Upgrades to drainage, lighting, motorway technology, signage and signalling.

Reporting directly to the Construction Manager, this role is to lead construction operations for a specific discipline (Roadworks or Technology) to ensure all elements are delivered safely, to the required quality, on time and within budget, all in line with the scheme design and associated highway specifications and in compliance with the Development Consent Order requirements. This will include managing a team of engineering staff and subcontractors, working alongside the site supervisory team and other disciplines (SHE, Stakeholder, Design/Engineering/Quality, Commercial etc.). Applicants with motorway experience are preferred and for the Technology Senior Agent, experience of motorway communications will be desirable.

The role involves a mobilisation stage of 3-5 months before c. 3 years of construction starting in June 2026. Post-construction support for handover into operations will also be required. 

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• Provide construction leadership and manage all aspects of construction for your discipline. 

• Ensure all works are carried out in accordance with The Costain Way. 

• Put safety above all else and lead by example. 

• Promote a Right First-Time approach to quality and avoid rework. 

• Manage a team of engineering staff and collaborate with other members of the project team. 

• Support the Construction Manager in all construction matters relating to your discipline including handover. 

• Provide planning and procurement support, implementing product control and all related subcontract activities. 

• Review contractual agreements, working methods, programme and forecast costs with the Agents, General Foreman and Subcontractors / Suppliers identifying any inaccuracies or inconsistencies, and feedback any changes made to the QA and QS teams. 

• Review programmes and forecast budgets, actual programme and productivity achieved and review weekly, taking action where appropriate, as reported by your Agents and Engineers. Where required report/escalate issues to the Construction Manager and QS team.

• Be fully conversant with subcontractors’ contract conditions, develop job specific subcontract conditions and manage the subcontractors account with the QS team 

• Requisition/approve resources in a timely manner to ensure that they are correctly specified and readily available so as not to impede the construction programme. 

• Ensure that any non-conformances and any instructions received from the client / designer / NEC Supervisor staff are communicated to QA and QS teams.

• Ensure that comprehensive records of resources employed on additional works are maintained. 

• Ensure that full and accurate daily site diary, including any changes / variations, subcontractors’ attendance, and records of work-related discussions with client / designer / NEC Supervisor / project team are maintained by your team. 

• Ensure that inspection and test plans, risk assessments and method statements for the control of the works are reviewed, approved, and adhered to. 

• Keep abreast of developments in your professional field.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

• Notable experience in construction delivery ideally with 3 years+ in a management position (e.g. Agent/Sub-Agent)

• Knowledge and experience of relevant standards and procedures 

• Experience of working within a Principal Contractor environment 

• Knowledge and experience of Temporary Works procedures 

• Behavioural Management training

• Understanding of Engineering Principles

• Knowledge of forms of contract through experience and formal training.

• Extensive technical knowledge of construction techniques and best practices.

• Computer competence (MS Word, Excel, Document control system).

Desirable

• Experience as a Lean Practitioner 

• Understanding of handover processes

• Motorway environment construction experience (including motorway technology for the related role

Essential

• Degree or HND in Civil Engineering or allied subject or equivalent vocational training

• Relevant CSCS card

• SMSTS or equivalent H&S qualification

Desirable

• Professionally qualified or working towards professional qualification  
• Construction or Engineering Professional Membership