Shafts Lead

Role Specification – Shafts Lead (Major Infrastructure Project)

Location: North Acton, London
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £100,000 base

Company Introduction

We are a leading UK-based engineering and project delivery organisation operating at the forefront of complex infrastructure development. The business specialises in the successful delivery of large, technically challenging programmes across transport, energy, water, and defence sectors.

With a strong contracting heritage and deep engineering capability, the organisation combines rigorous project management, innovation, and a collaborative delivery culture to deliver critical national infrastructure safely, efficiently, and sustainably. The company operates as part of a wider construction and engineering group, offering long-term stability, career progression, and exposure to some of the most significant projects in the UK.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Shafts Lead to take responsibility for the delivery of complex civil and underground works on a major UK infrastructure project.

The role will oversee shaft sinking, adit mining, tunnel connections, reinforced concrete structures (including secondary lining), and associated subterranean foundations and services. You will lead a team of Project Managers accountable for multiple shaft assets, managing the full construction lifecycle from design development and pre-construction through delivery, handover, and completion.

This position requires a strong engineering-led Project Manager with recent contracting experience and the ability to operate across multiple work fronts in a highly regulated, complex environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the delivery strategy for all shaft and underground works

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Project Managers across multiple assets and sites

• Oversee programme, cost, risk, and quality performance across the portfolio

• Drive a strong health, safety, and quality culture, embedding best practice and lessons learned

• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships, including clients, designers, contractors, and regulators

• Navigate complex technical and logistical challenges while maintaining productivity and delivery certainty

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Proven experience delivering complex UK infrastructure projects

• Degree-qualified in an engineering discipline

• Demonstrable Project Management experience, ideally across multiple sites or assets

• Recent Project Management experience gained within a contracting engineering environment

• Strong leadership capability with experience managing teams and senior stakeholders

• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills

Desirable:

• Background in shafts, tunnelling, or underground works

• Experience working in highly regulated construction environments

Salary & Benefits

• Base Salary: Up to £100,000

• Car Allowance (Grade 6): £6,850

• Travel Expenses: Covered

• London Weighting Allowance: £2,500 (non-contractual, project-based)

• Pension: Defined Contribution scheme with up to 10% company match

• Private Healthcare:

  • Single cover

  • 50% subsidised for first two years

  • Fully subsidised thereafter

• Annual Leave:

  • 25 days holiday

  • Plus 1 additional Birthday Leave day

Please send your CV to k.dickson@calco.co.uk