Bearded Kitten are on the hunt for a new Senior Construction Manager!
Apply below to become a key part of our ever expanding workshop team as we embark on a wealth of exciting projects in 2025.
JOB ROLE: Senior Construction Manager
SALARY: Experience Dependant
REPORTS TO: Director of Production
DEPARTMENT: Production
TYPE: Permanent, Full Time
LOCATION: 5 Hancock Road, London E3 3DA
THE COMPANY
Bearded Kitten is an award-winning, creative experience agency that works with brands to deliver highly innovative events, experiences and activations. Our motto is to be brave, fun, creative & inclusive! We have an outstanding reputation for designing, building and producing a range of large scale events across the UK and internationally. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast paced, innovative team and work with some of the worldʼs biggest brands.
THE ROLE
The Senior Construction Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating the fabrication of all projects for Bearded Kitten (the creative experience agency) and Bearded Kitten Studios (the creative fabrication arm).
This role will be responsible for ensuring efficient and cost effective work is carried out to the highest standards of excellence within our fabrication department and workshop, directly leading or overseeing and resourcing the fabrication and installation of bespoke Bearded Kitten projects. The position calls for a construction lead experienced in customer
facing brand activations and event installations. Candidates must be proficient in time and budget management, as well as enthusiastic, passionate, collaborative and supportive in all aspects of their work.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Resourcing the freelance fabrication teams through all disciplines, primarily but not limited to carpentry, metalwork, scenic and spray finishing
* Working with creative leads, designers, producers and production managers to formulate the best methodologies for the physical fabrication of designs and concepts
* Identifying the need and guiding the resourcing of additional construction management
* Working with the Senior Workshop Manager and Production Managers to oversee the fabrication of projects through the workshop and their installation on site
* Scoping, creating and managing fabrication timelines in alignment with wider project needs
* Ensuring all fabrication is carried out in line with specific RAMS and general health and safety legislation, and structural reports where necessary
* Overseeing financial control of fabrication budgets. Managing and tracking the ongoing and up to date costs of fabrication projects. On project completion, working with Producers, Production Managers and the finance department on budget reconciliation
* Provide fabrication specifications and ROM costings for competitive pitches and/or new business leads, ensuring that they balance creative ambition with safe and practical delivery whilst offering value to clients
* Accurately providing working costs for the fabrication of bespoke Bearded Kitten designs and technical plans
* Assisting in the companies sustainability goals, working to reduce the carbon footprint of Bearded Kittenʼs fabrication department
* Ensuring a positive and approachable environment within the workshop, guiding and mentoring both freelance and permanent junior members of the team
* Taking responsibility for the quality control of all bespoke assets coming from the Bearded Kitten workshop and their safe delivery and installation onsite
* Working with the HODʼs and the People & Culture Manager to ensure our approach to freelancer recruitment aligns with the Bearded Kittenʼs DEI emphasis and working environment
KEY PERSONAL SKILLS
* Deeply passionate about the fabrication of set builds, ranging from temporary event activations to semi permanent installations
* Strong client facing skills, able to represent BK Studios and communicate confidently, warmly and professionally both in the workshop and onsite
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the desire to operate as part of a wider team in achieving the best outcomes for projects and the agency
* Significant experience managing teams and providing direction in a workshop and on site
* Management experience of medium to large scale event fabrication installations in high profile locations
* Proven extensive supplier and freelance fabrication network with long term relationships in place
* Excellent estimating and budgeting skills - ideally with a working knowledge of Excel/Google Sheets and strong IT/computer skills in general (Bearded Kitten use Google Workspace)
* Best in class working knowledge of scenic construction methods and associated materials
* As a minimum, able to read and understand construction and 3D drawings in one of AutoCAD / Vectorworks / Sketchup, ability to generate drawings and construction documents preferred
* Able and willing to travel domestically and internationally (for periods not exceeding one month)
* A full, UK driving licence and able to drive vans up to Luton as a minimum
* IOSH certification, IPAF, FLT license preferable
* Happy to wear a pink high vis :)
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
* 25 days paid holiday, plus Bank Holidays. 1 additional day added per year of service up to 5 days
* Approximately five additional days off over the Christmas/New Year period
* Flexi-time policy
* Generous overtime policy
* Discretionary end of year bonus scheme
* New Business Incentive Scheme from day one
* Employee Referral Incentive Policy from day one
* Sabbatical Scheme available after three years of service
* Work mobile and/or eSim and work laptop
* Employee assistance programme with free access to mental health resources
* Enhanced maternity & paternity leave policy after 1 year of full service. 3 months full pay including statutory for lead carer or 1 month full pay including statutory for second carer
* Monthly team socials, plus an annual team offsite with overnight stay
* Free use of BK equipment; kitchen and coffee machine, workshop, tools, rehearsal space etc for personal use
* Employee loan agreements offered for personal equipment
* Season ticket loans offered
* Cycle to work scheme
* Guaranteed hilarity and nonsense on a daily basis