Senior Construction Manager at Orkidstudio

Job description

Are you a skilled engineer or experienced building contractor who is talented in project management? Are you motivated by designing and executing construction projects? Do you have a passion for contributing to community empowerment through your work?

Orkidstudio wants you.

Orkidstudio is looking to grow its team by bringing on a Senior Construction Manager to

guide a portfolio of construction projects on site, within agreed on timelines and budgets. The successful applicant will be able to work within a dynamic and challenging environment alongside a highly talented team driven by social impact and creating architecture that that significantly impacts health and promotes education and equality.

This is a full-time position based at our Nairobi office in Kenya and candidates should have minimum 10 years’ experience. The role will require you to be willing to travel in connection with our construction projects across East Africa and Zambia.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Competency:

• Have a detailed knowledge of the technical aspects of construction, including first hand experience with a variety building systems (RC frame, masonry, timber frame and earthen methods are particularly relevant);
• A strong understanding of quality standards and assurance, plus experience with construction health and safety compliance;
• Competence in reading and interpreting technical documentation and drawings required to execute a project;
• Trained in commonly used industry software (AutoCAD, MS Excel, Project), and an aptitude for learning new software;
• Strong leadership skills and confidence directing and supervising large teams of people (experience working with community groups will be considered a bonus).
• Key managerial skills, including having had control over construction budgets and schedules.
• A strong aptitude for problem-solving and clear decision-making within a challenging and pressured environment.

Job Duties

• Project Management:
  • Work with the client and internal teams to create project plans that will guide implementation;
  • Manage the execution of a project from beginning to end, within budget and according to agreed upon timelines;
  • Understand and be able to independently handle multiple construction projects of varying complexity and with diverse requirements;
  • Mentor and supervise less experienced Project Managers and Foremen to build their capacity, confidence and knowledge.
• Site Management:
  • Manage on-site resources including construction materials and teams (experience working with low-skill-level teams is a bonus);
  • Oversee a portfolio of construction projects on site, providing direct support and guidance to the day-to-day project teams ensuring a high quality and successful outcome.
  • Support local community relationships and ensure the essential buy-in of community leaders, organizers, and members.
  • Ensure quality of workmanship and project management is upheld across all projects.

Social Impact:

Value Orkidstudio’s mission and demonstrate commitment to ensuring social impact goals are met on each project, with a focus on training women in construction;
Experience training or working with community teams, especially in construction, is a bonus.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Minimum 10 years’ experience, in construction or site management
• Willing and able to travel within East Africa and Zambia
• Passionate about developing communities and empowering women in construction
• Entrepreneurial, independent and proactive worker, able to multi-task under pressure
• Strong expertise coordinating construction projects and ensuring high quality outcomes.
• Experience working with alternative building materials would be great (non-essential)
• Registered with a relevant professional board or body a plus (non-essential)