SeniorFull TimeEN
Reports to: Senior Manager Installations
Location: London - Heathrow
Contract Type: Permanent
Introduction to role
Vanderlande is a global market leader in material handling systems, operating across airport logistics, warehousing, and parcel distribution. Within the Project Execution department - Airports, the Installations Group Leader plays a pivotal leadership role across the UK & Ireland (UK&I) project portfolio, reporting to the Senior Manager Installations EU-LATAM.
The Installations Group Leader is responsible for leading the UK&I Installation site management team and ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of all construction work packages. Acting as a Safety Champion and guardian of best practice, the role drives a strong safety-first culture and ensures that all construction-related activities are delivered in line with company standards, industry regulations, and right-first-time installation principles.
Role Responsibilities
This position combines strategic oversight with operational leadership. The Installations Group Leader organises, drives, and manages construction execution through the strategic and tactical leadership of a multi-disciplined site management team. Working closely alongside the UK&I Construction Leader—who focuses on the operational delivery of site activities—the Construction Leader acts as the right hand to the Installations Group Leader, ensuring day-to-day execution aligns with the wider strategic objectives. This partnership enables strong operational control while maintaining a clear focus on continuous improvement and long-term performance.
Beyond project delivery, the Installations Group Leader serves as a key conduit between the airport installation teams and senior leadership, supporting the implementation of strategic initiatives and positively influencing efficiencies across both the Installation function and wider business units. The role strengthens internal and external customer interfaces, promoting collaboration, alignment, and standardisation to safeguard project success. Ultimately, the position contributes to delivering the strategic roadmap and positioning the UK&I Installation team as global leaders in installation excellence.
Your responsibilities and activities will include:
Serve as the single point of contact for the CC regarding all project resourcing matters.
Oversee projects during the sales phase by estimating hours and budgets, and defining setup, planning, installation, and logistics strategies.
Ensure Vires is continuously accurate and up to date.
Monitor project performance in line with the Project Installation Preparation Overview.
Optimize workforce utilization by prioritizing contractors where appropriate and maximizing the billability of payroll employees without compromising project quality or timelines.
Proactively plan for project downtime by aligning with team members on objectives, milestones, and defined deliverables.
Assess and account for the impact of resourcing decisions on other planned activities.
Control costs by mitigating unnecessary expenses and minimizing overall spending.
Prepare teams for effective cross-cultural collaboration, particularly with the UK Installation Team, by encouraging structured project kick-offs to align UK and EU team members.
Maintain team stability by minimizing unnecessary changes within project teams.
Promote personal development and actively support career progression for identified team members.
Role Qualification and Skills
Experience in successfully line managing large teams during delivery of large and complex brownfield projects in a demanding environment with proven results
Successful proven construction industry knowledge and execution through each phase of a project lifecycle ranging from pre-construction through to handover
Experience in management of a multi-functional team, interfacing with peers where appropriate, chairing team meetings and proven leadership experience. Adept at conflict resolution
Awareness of CDM 2015 Regulations and HASWA 74.
Experienced in strategic and tactical delivery supporting best practice and defining functional standards
Demonstrated stakeholder management experience interfacing with airport operations, airlines, project delivery partners and third-party contractors
Ability to create robust site planning
Experience planning and executing installation activities within constrained operational windows including night shifts, phased works and possession-based delivery
Experience working in compliance with strict airport authority regulations, airside permitting systems and security clearance protocols
Successful proven in team development
Implementation of new ways of working based on continuous improvement principals
Familiarity with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) standards, processes, and Capital Delivery governance frameworks
Contract and Project Management Awareness
NEBOSH General Certificate (or willing to obtain)
Higher Level technical or business qualification or related discipline
Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.K. and willing to travel.
What we offer
28 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)
Bupa Medical Cover
YuLife – Wellbeing membership with fast access to GP appointments, promotion of health and wellbeing along with daily quests to gain Yucoins that can be swapped for shopping vouchers
A challenging work environment with lots of opportunities of career progression.
Cycle to work scheme
Yellow Nest is a salary exchange scheme that reduces childcare costs for parents and employers
Pension with Aviva
Access to Achievers an award-winning recognition platform that inspires to recognise your coworkers Where points are awarded that can be exchanged for a range of goods and discounts.
Diversity & Inclusion
Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age marital status or disability status. If you feel there is a barrier that potentially prevents you from applying, we are always happy to discuss or explore, any reasonable adjustments can be made to support your application.
