Technical Manager - Major Projects

Cambridge
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Technical Manager

Quality Manager

Product Development Lead / Technical Lead (Packaging – Film)

Product Development Lead / Technical Lead (Packaging – Film)

Technical Sales Manager

Technical Sales Manager

Technical Manager – Major Projects - Cambridge

At Tarmac, ‘who you are’ matters. We want to get to know you. If you share our values and are proud of a job well done, collaborative in working well with others and ambitious to make things better, then take a look at what we have on offer. We are currently looking for an experienced Technical Manager to join our team based at our Cambridge site, supporting major infrastructure projects in the region.

This includes technical responsibility for key programmes such as the Sizewell C nuclear build and the A428 project, with a view to moving into full-time Technical Management of Sizewell C subject to contract award. This role requires strong materials expertise across Asphalt, Aggregates, CBGM, and pavement construction. Working under the guidance of the Technical Head of Energy and Defence, you will ensure that all technical activities meet nuclear-level quality, Health & Safety requirements, and specification standards. You will lead, coach and develop a technical team, liaise closely with clients, and maintain strong working relationships across the wider business.

Main Responsibilities

Manage, lead, and develop the technical team supporting major projects delivered from the Cambridgebase.
Ensure all work is delivered in compliance withHealth & Safety legislation,nuclear sector standards, andtechnical specifications.
Maintain high standards ofquality control, including sampling, testing, and technical reporting.
Liaise with clients, project teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery andcontractual compliance.
Support theTechnical Head of Energy and Defence in driving nuclear-level quality and safety culture across Tarmac supply units.
Analysematerial trends andblend performance, coordinating proactive improvement actions and engaging technical and operational colleagues.
Represent theProject Manager at internal and external meetings when required.
Establish and monitorS&OPs alongside cross-functional managers.
Prepare and delivertechnical reports including QA documentation, compliance reports, financial metrics, and quality performance.
Providehands-on technical support to operations when needed.Key Characteristics

Strong leadership andteam management skills.
Excellent technical knowledge ofAsphalt, Aggregates, CBGM, andpavement construction.
Ability to work collaboratively across functions and with clients.
Problem solving: Skilled in analysing complex technical and contractual issues, validating information, and making sound recommendations.
Interpersonal skills: Clear and confident communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills. Ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners effectively.
Line management experience is preferred.Key Functional Competencies

Expertise inmaterials technology andpavement construction.
Strong understanding and experience ofnuclear sector quality standards andcompliance requirements.
Ability todevelop and implement quality control systems.
Skilled intechnical reporting andcontractual awareness.
Competence incoaching and developing technical teams.
Ability to manage complex projects and adapt to changing priorities.Experience / Education

Degree inCivil Engineering,Materials Science, or related discipline.
Significant experience intechnical management for major infrastructure projects.
Knowledge ofnuclear sector standards and requirements.
Proven track record in managing technical teams and deliveringhigh-quality outcomes.
Strong knowledge ofaggregates, concrete, and asphalt products and their applications.
Strong knowledge oflegislation,test methods, andmaterial standards and specifications.
Market / customer awareness.
Strong knowledge ofasphalt and CBGM design and installation techniques.
Strong knowledge ofproduction processes and techniques.
Knowledge ofadded value products and production process requirements.CRH MyCareer Behaviours & Experiences

Shape our future: Customer Focus, Self-development
Drive our impact: Decision Quality, Directs Work, Situational Adaptability
Inspire our people: Communicates Effectively, Cultivates Talent, Drives Engagement, Fosters Inclusivity
Experiences: Delivering at Scale, Broadening Perspective, Leading Change, Crisis ManagementLocation & Commutable Areas

This role is based at our Cambridge site (CB4 0DL). The site is easily accessible from Cambridge, Milton, Histon, Impington, Ely, Newmarket, St Neots, Huntingdon, Royston, Haverhill, Saffron Walden, Bury St Edmunds, and the surrounding areas.

Why Tarmac

We don't just offer a job, we offer a career.

Alongside this role, you'll have access to industry-leading rewards, development opportunities, and a culture that puts people first, including:

Bonus scheme
Enhanced holiday entitlement
Contributory pension scheme
Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free andconfidentialadvice
Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc.(REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
Training and development opportunitiesWe’re proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and arecommittedto creating aninclusiveenvironment for everyone.If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to support you.

Ready to build your future?

Click ‘Apply’ to get started.

Please note: we sometimes close roles early due to high interest, so don’t wait too long!

#Tarmac #TarmacCareers #Technicalmanager #Engineering #Construction #LI-KM1

Tarmac Trading Limited

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Materials Science Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Materials Science Job?

If you’re navigating the materials science job market, it can feel like the list of tools, techniques and platforms you should learn grows every week. One job advert mentions electron microscopy, another mentions X-ray diffraction, yet another wants experience with thermal analysis, spectroscopy, simulation software, statistical packages, manufacturing QA systems and more. With so many specialised methods and instruments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — and to start thinking you need to know everything just to be considered. Here’s the honest truth most materials science hiring managers won’t tell you directly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every piece of equipment or software. They hire you because you can use the tools you do know to answer real questions, make reliable measurements and communicate results clearly. Tools are essential — no question — but they are secondary to problem-solving ability, scientific reasoning and experimental rigour. So the real question is: how many materials science tools do you actually need to know to get a job? The precise number depends on the role you want, but for most job seekers the answer is far fewer than you think. This article breaks down what employers really value, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so your CV and interviews stand out for the right reasons.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Materials Science Job Applications (UK Guide)

Materials science is a broad, interdisciplinary field that spans academia, industry, research, engineering and manufacturing. Whether you’re applying for roles in R&D, process development, quality assurance, failure analysis, nanomaterials or product scale-up, hiring managers make key decisions within the first few seconds of scanning your application. In competitive job markets, simply listing skills or qualifications isn’t enough. Hiring managers are looking for signals of relevance, technical depth, problem-solving capability and real-world impact — and they expect those signals to be clear right from the top of your CV or portfolio. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers typically look for first in materials science applications, why they look for it, and how you can optimise your CV, cover letter and portfolio so your application stands out and gets past the first filter.

The Skills Gap in Materials Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Materials science sits at the heart of innovation — from sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing to aerospace, electronics, healthcare and beyond. It is an interdisciplinary field combining physics, chemistry, engineering and applied science to design and improve materials that power modern technology. Despite the clear strategic importance of materials science, employers across the UK report persistent challenges hiring graduates who are truly job-ready. Organisations need professionals who can contribute immediately to research, development, manufacturing, quality control and product scale-up — yet many recent graduates struggle to bridge the gap between academic preparation and workplace demands. This gap is not caused by a lack of intelligence or enthusiasm. It is a growing skills gap between what universities teach and what real materials science jobs require. This article explores the materials science skills gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers want, and how aspiring professionals can bridge the divide to build successful careers in this vital UK industry.