Site Manager / Werfleider (Buildings) – Belgium
About the Role
A leading Belgian main contractor specialising in medium to large-scale building projects is seeking an experienced Site Manager (Werfleider) to join their team. The company delivers complex residential, commercial, and institutional buildings such as schools, hospitals, care facilities, universities, and multi-storey apartment developments.
This role is ideal for a senior construction professional with strong technical insight, proven site leadership, and experience gained within a recognised main/general contractor. You will take full operational responsibility for the construction site, ensuring safe, high-quality, and efficient execution according to strict European standards.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Site Management
- Lead and coordinate all on-site activities across multiple trades and disciplines.
- Supervise subcontractors, suppliers, foremen, and labour teams to ensure smooth workflow.
- Maintain continuous communication with the Project Manager and site leadership.
- Drive daily problem-solving and make practical, on-the-ground decisions to maintain progress.
- Conduct structured site walk-throughs and ensure compliance with technical and safety requirements.
Planning & Work Preparation
- Translate the master schedule into weekly and short-term planning with clear daily priorities.
- Prepare upcoming phases by ensuring drawings, materials, equipment, and resources are ready.
- Coordinate material deliveries and logistics to avoid delays or site congestion.
- Track progress against planning and adjust strategies proactively.
Technical Follow-Up
- Read, interpret, and verify construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Monitor technical execution and workmanship according to European building standards.
- Validate quantities, progress, and completed works for payment and reporting.
- Collaborate with BIM coordinators and utilise digital tools for technical follow-up.
- Identify technical risks early and implement corrective actions.
Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)
Belgian construction sites operate under strict safety legislation. You will:
- Act as the on-site safety responsible.
- Conduct toolbox talks, start-up meetings, and safety briefings.
- Ensure subcontractors comply with all safety procedures and PPE requirements.
- Report incidents, near-misses, and risks according to internal protocols.
- Promote a culture of safety, discipline, and accountability.
Site Meetings & Reporting
- Organise and attend site meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Communicate project progress clearly and professionally.
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.
- Maintain structured documentation for audits, inspections, and internal reviews.
Site Administration
- Maintain accurate daily site records (labour, materials, progress, equipment).
- Validate subcontractor claims and completed quantities.
- Support cost and budget follow-up with structured documentation.
- Keep the site office organised, compliant, and audit-ready.
Candidate Requirements
Education
- BTech or MTech in Construction Management preferred.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Construction, Civil Engineering, or Architecture also accepted.
Experience
- Minimum 5–7 years experience as a Site Manager on large building projects.
- Proven ability to independently manage multi-disciplinary teams and complex site operations.
- Experience must come from a recognised main/general contractor, such as: WBHO, Barrow Construction, Trencon Construction, Devcon — OR any comparable contractor specialising in multi-storey buildings and institutional projects.
Project Background
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Experience on schools, hospitals, universities, residential blocks, commercial buildings, or similar.
- A portfolio of completed projects including: project name, type of building, scale/budget, responsibilities and achievements.
Technical Competencies
- Strong technical construction knowledge and understanding of building methodologies.
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation confidently.
- Familiarity with Belgian/European building methods is an advantage.
- AutoCAD proficiency and comfort with digital construction tools (BIM, planning software).
- Ability to answer General, KHB1, KHB2, and KHB3 technical questions (Belgian building methodology test).
Leadership & Soft Skills
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Hands-on mentality with proactive problem-solving.
- Diplomatic, structured, and solution-oriented.
- High sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Team player aligned with values of respect, quality, and professionalism.
Professional Registration
- SACPCMP registration preferred.
Languages
- Strong English required.
- Afrikaans beneficial.
What We Offer
- Long-term, stable employment in Belgium.
- Competitive Belgian salary package including a company car.
- Opportunity to work on high-level, technically complex building projects.
- Full training, onboarding, and integration support.
- A structured, organised, and professional environment with strong values.
- Career development opportunities within the Belgian construction industry.