The British High Commission in Nairobi is seeking a highly competent General Foreman. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of the estate by scheduling, coordinating, and supervising the technical work of all site operatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all work is delivered safely, on time, and within budget, while also managing required equipment and materials. The Foreman is tasked with planning works across the Estate, including detailing time frames, staging of works, and identifying associated costs. A key aspect of the role involves establishing the bill of materials for each job and identifying large projects that require escalation through the Forward Maintenance Register (FMR).
The General Foreman will jointly line manage, alongside another AO Foreman, the Technical Works Group (TWG) which comprises painters, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and masons.
Roles and Responsibilities
Property Surveys
- Conduct proactive surveys of properties anticipated to be vacated, with a projected outlook of at least 12 months.
- Perform detailed surveys identifying the required scope of works, estimated time frames and scheduling, staffing needs, and bill of materials.
- Escalate larger works identified during surveys to the Deputy Estates Manager and Technical Works Supervisor for placement on the FMR for funding.
- Conduct joint end-of-posting checks with departing diplomatic staff to highlight any defects before departure.
- Conduct joint arrival checks with newly arrived diplomatic staff to highlight critical technical features of the property and any existing defects.
Supervision and Scheduling of Works
- Provide day-to-day oversight of work taking place across the estate. Work with colleagues on scheduling and inspection of works.
- Schedule projects to ensure timeline delivery to completion for expected new arrivals.
- Guide the team on priorities and workload management.
- Provide clear guidance and demonstrate best practice in work execution.
- Serve as the first point of contact for complaint resolution and provide updates to the customer through the Corporate Services Helpdesk (CSHelpdesk).
- Oversee workloads and coordinate with the Admin Officer on job allocations and managing workloads.
- Identify needs for additional staff, coverage during long periods of absence, and movement of staff between projects.
- Prioritise work with the Admin Officer and Team Leaders to ensure equitable assignment of work in priority ranking.
Contractor Supervision and Engagement
- Set out the programme of works and oversee contractors hired to complete technical works on behalf of the BHC.
- Schedule site visits for tender processes and agree scope of works with the TWG Estates Accommodation and Technical Officer for tendering.
- Hold suppliers accountable to agreed timelines, materials, and scope for efficient delivery of projects on time and within budget.
- Monitor progress through a schedule of works and address non-compliance.
- Spot check quality of work with contractors and ensure compliance with BHC requirements.
Health & Safety
- Ensure work is completed in compliance with best practice health and safety standards.
- Actively participate as a representative on the BHC Health & Safety committee.
- Spot check contractors for health and safety compliance, ensuring a safe working environment at all times.
- Escalate any negative observations to the Health & Safety Officer and Deputy Estates Manager Technical Works.
Line Management
- Collaborate with the General Foreman Non-Residential on joint delivery of projects and scheduling of works as required.
- Recognise good performance through award schemes, 1:1’s, team meetings and line management meetings.
- With the support of HR, help guide line managers on swift and responsive actions where there are incidences of poor performance or disciplinary issues within the technical team.
- Work with mission-wide learning and development, mental health first aiders, and first responders to ensure staff under direct line management are supported in a safe working environment.
Resources Managed
The role directly manages:
- 1 AA Carpentry Team Leader
- 1 AA Mason & Painting Team Leader
- 1 AA Electrician Team Leader
- 1 AA Plumbing Team leader
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Diploma/Craft certificate or degree in construction from a reputable institution.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience overseeing technical works and management of technical projects.
- Demonstrated Project Management Experience.
- Demonstrated Line Management Experience and Team Leadership.
- Certificate in Masonry, Carpentry, Generator Maintenance and/or general works.
- Clean driving record with valid Kenyan driving licence (must pass a BHC drivers test during the interview phase).
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Diploma or degree in construction from a reputable institution.
- NEBOSH Certificate.
- Health & Safety training to UK standards.
