Site Manager - HDD experience -
Location: Travel to multiple locations in North
Start date is asap,
We are seeking an experienced Site Manager with Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) expertise to lead and deliver trenchless utility installation projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all site operations, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standard
Key Responsibilities
Site & Operational Management
Manage daily site activities for HDD projects from mobilisation to completion
Coordinate site teams, subcontractors, plant, and materials
Ensure works are delivered in line with programme, budget, and specifications
Monitor site productivity and resolve operational issues
HDD Operations
Plan, supervise, and execute HDD activities including pilot bore, reaming, and pipe pullback
Interpret bore plans, utility drawings, and geotechnical data
Oversee drilling rig setup, tooling selection, and alignment
Monitor drilling parameters such as torque, pressure, and fluid returns
Manage drilling fluid systems, recycling, and disposal
Handle and mitigate frac-outs (inadvertent returns)
Ensure bore accuracy using tracking systems (walkover/gyro)
Health, Safety & Compliance
Enforce strict adherence to Health & Safety policies and procedures
Prepare and implement RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
Conduct site inductions, toolbox talks, and safety inspections
Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and relevant industry standards
Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
Planning & Coordination
Liaise with clients, engineers, local authorities, and stakeholders
Coordinate permits, traffic management, and site access
Schedule works and manage resources efficiently
Ensure availability of materials and equipment
Commercial & Reporting
Maintain accurate site records, daily reports, and progress updates
Monitor project costs and assist with budget control
Support valuations, variations, and cost forecasting
Minimise downtime and ensure efficient resource use
Team Leadership
Supervise and lead HDD crews, foremen, and subcontractors
Allocate tasks and ensure high performance and productivity
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to team members
Company Background
The Joseph Gallagher Group is a family owned Civil Engineering business that delivers expertise whilst putting client satisfaction at the core of the business. Built on a personal reputation for honesty and quality, we understand the actions we take affect the communities and environments we operate in.
LIFE Culture
We're promoting a culture change within the industry and demonstrating initiatives to dramatically improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing. In 2014, we launched our award-winning cultural safety programme (LIFE) which is deeply embedded into the company’s DNA and core values.
Disability Confident Committed
We are a disability confident employer and we're committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to enable you to be the best you can, please contact the HR team at HR@josephgallagher.co.uk.
- Department
- Tunnelling
- Locations
- Wanlip, Trenchless Solutions, Rugby, Retford, Peterborough, Leeds, Grantham
Our Culture
We strive to create a team environment ensuring that; health safety, quality and wellbeing are part of everyday work conversations.
Our Core Values and Behaviours guide and inform how we work, individually and as team.
About Joseph Gallagher Limited
We are one of the UK's leading civil engineering and tunnelling contractors, offering a wide range of construction and specialist services.