Construction Assurance Manager

Job summary

Explore the world of HMRC Estates, where we lead the way in government property transformation. As a key player in one of the UK's largest property programmes, HMRC Estates offers safe, inclusive workplaces and exceptional career development opportunities. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, user-friendly services that enable our colleagues to thrive in an environment where they truly belong. Watch the video below to meet some of our team and come and discover a career in your hands at HMRC.

Build a Career in Property with HMRC Estates

HMRC Estates has delivered one of the largest property transformation programmes in the UK as part of Phase One of the Government Hubs Programme. Much of the estate now comprises newly built Grade A office accommodation.

The purpose of Estates is to provide HMRC with a property portfolio that is the right size, in the right locations and capable of meeting the current and future needs of HMRC's business areas. HMRC's estates and locations strategy supports the department's objective of providing a great place to work for colleagues.

A key part of this is delivering safe, modern, accessible and digitally enabled workplaces, supported by HMRC's market-leading Inclusive Design Guide. These workplaces are designed to provide attractive, productive and flexible working environments that support business performance and help attract and retain talent.

We have further new workplaces to create and also need to operate, maintain and continually improve our existing buildings whilst moving towards a more digitally enabled, data-driven and insight-led estate that reflects the ambitions of the Government Property Strategy.

Alongside the operation of an extensive national estate, HMRC continues to undertake workplace creation, refurbishment, asset replacement and building improvement activities. Estates is also committed to improving the systems, standards, governance arrangements, digital tools and assurance processes that support effective project delivery, operational management and continuous improvement across the estate.

Professional Services & Estates Assurance provides specialist expertise, assurance, contract management and intelligent client capability across the estate. Within this wider function, the Construction Assurance team supports capital investment, refurbishment, lifecycle, minor works and business-as-usual activities from project inception through to operational occupation and ongoing performance.

Job description

As a Construction Assurance Manager, you will provide design, construction and operational assurance across a broad range of built environment projects and estate activities.

You will act as part of HMRC's intelligent client function, supporting projects and operational workstreams from strategic briefing and scope development through design, procurement, delivery, handover and post-occupancy activities.

You will be responsible for preparing and developing scope documentation, consultant briefs, technical requirements, specifications and supporting information for a variety of activities. This may include consultant commissions, feasibility studies, option appraisals, minor works projects, lifecycle replacement activities, estate improvement initiatives and client-side guidance for recurring project delivery and technical matters.

Working collaboratively with project teams, consultants, contractors and specialist colleagues across Estates, you will review and challenge project scope, design proposals, delivery strategies, costs, programmes and risks to ensure activities are safe, compliant, deliverable and aligned with HMRC's operational requirements and estate standards.

You will support project teams in identifying and managing risks throughout the project lifecycle, recognising that successful outcomes are often determined during briefing, design development, planning, technical coordination and procurement, as much as during construction delivery.

Beyond individual projects, you will contribute to the continual improvement of HMRC's client-side capability through the development of standards, guidance, governance arrangements, digital tools, reporting processes and assurance approaches that improve consistency, efficiency and project outcomes across the estate.

Person specification

Responsibilities include:

Project Assurance and Technical Leadership

- Provide technical assurance across allocated construction and built environment activities throughout briefing, design, procurement, delivery and post-completion phases.

- Review and challenge project briefs, scope documents, design proposals, technical solutions, costs, programmes and delivery strategies.

- Prepare and contribute to consultant briefs, technical specifications, scopes of work and project requirements.

- Provide technical expertise and assurance to project and programme teams, supporting informed decision-making and successful project outcomes.

Project Delivery, Risk and Compliance

- Monitor project performance against agreed scope, cost, quality, programme and risk objectives.

- Coordinate and manage the outputs of external consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers.

- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, HMRC governance requirements, design standards, CDM and statutory requirements.

- Support the management of project risks, issues, dependencies, operational readiness, handover and defects management activities.

Stakeholder Management and Reporting

- Build effective relationships with stakeholders, consultants, contractors and suppliers across a complex delivery environment.

- Review and interrogate project information and provide concise reporting and assurance updates to project, programme and governance boards.

- Translate technical information into clear advice, recommendations and decision-making outputs for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Continuous Improvement and Intelligent Client Capability

- Support the development of HMRC's intelligent client capability through the preparation of standards, guidance, templates and assurance processes.

- Contribute to the improvement of governance frameworks, project delivery processes, information management and digital ways of working.

- Identify and promote opportunities for continuous improvement across projects, programmes and estate activities.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain Security Check (SC) Clearance. Further details provided in the Additional Security information section.

Essential criteria:

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant built environment discipline, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.

• Experience of delivering or assuring built environment projects across multiple stages of the project lifecycle, from briefing and design through procurement, construction and handover.

• Experience of managing and coordinating external consultants, contractors and suppliers within a project environment.

• Experience of preparing consultant briefs, scopes of work, technical requirements or project specifications.

• Knowledge of professional services appointments and construction contracts, including commercial, contractual and performance management principles.

• Knowledge of project governance, risk management, programme management, quality management and statutory compliance requirements, including CDM.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to provide technical assurance and constructive challenge.

Desirable criteria:

• Applicants should hold, or be working towards, registration or membership with a recognised professional body relevant to the built environment sector. This may include: ARB, RIBA, MRICS, MCIOB, CIWFM, APM or another relevant professional body.

• Experience of acting in a client-side or intelligent client role.

• Experience of major capital projects or complex refurbishment programmes.

• Experience of working within recognised project delivery frameworks such as the RIBA Plan of Work.

• Experience of developing standards, guidance, governance processes or assurance frameworks.

• Experience of BIM, information management or Common Data Environment (CDE) processes.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a ‘Further Location Preferences (optional)’ field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Office closures

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it’s important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

These sites are:

• Lynx House, Portsmouth – moving to an alternative office in Portsmouth

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Leeds Locations

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC’s Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV including your job history previous skills and experiences and Full Qualification details.

- Please attach your CV as a separate additional document in either PDF or word format no bigger than 5MB

- Personal details that could be used to identify you including your name, contact details and address must be removed for your application to be considered.

- Please do not include any personal details in your document title.

• A 1000-word personal statement. Your Personal Statement should be used to describe how your skills and experience would be suitable for the advertised role, making reference to the essential criteria and person specification outlined in the advert.

Please complete a separate statement (Max 250 words) for the Desirable Criteria where applicable. This is not mandatory for the role but may be considered by the vacancy-holder where candidates have the same scores at interview.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the CV.

At full sift your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview shortlisted candidates will be required to deliver a 10-15 minute experience-based presentation with follow up questions.

Candidates should select up to three projects that best demonstrate their suitability for the role. The projects should provide evidence of relevant experience across the project lifecycle and demonstrate the range and depth of the candidate's experience.

The presentation should cover:

• The project context and your role.

• Key challenges, risks, constraints or complexities encountered.

• How you led, coordinated, influenced or challenged project teams, consultants, contractors or stakeholders.

• Examples of where you identified issues, gaps, conflicts or risks and the actions taken to address them.

• How technical, commercial, programme, operational or stakeholder considerations informed decision-making and influenced project outcomes.

• Key lessons learned and how these have informed your professional approach.

Candidates may draw on one or more projects to evidence the above criteria. Presentations do not need to give equal coverage to each project. Candidates are encouraged to use projects that demonstrate both the breadth of their experience and those areas where they have made the greatest personal contribution.

The focus of the presentation should be on your own role, professional judgement, decision-making and impact, rather than a detailed description of the projects themselves.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Please note that circumstances may arise that require the planned interview format to change. We will endeavour to provide you with as much notice of any change as possible.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]’.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

Sponsorship

We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ‘help’ section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

Please note: in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers:

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are