Tunnelling Supervisor (Black Hat)

Location: Various UK Sites
Salary: Competitive + Package

J. Gallagher Ltd is looking to recruit an experienced Tunnelling Supervisor (Black Hat) to join our growing team on major tunnelling and civil engineering projects.

As a Black Hat Supervisor, you will be responsible for supervising tunnelling operations, coordinating site teams, maintaining productivity, and ensuring all works are carried out safely and in accordance with project requirements, RAMS, and company procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain progress and safety throughout all tunnelling activities.

• Assist the Tunnel Engineer in ensuring temporary works installations are carried out correctly and safely.

• Ensure tunnel rings are installed in accordance with the planned sequence and safe working practices.

• Support Engineers in delivering assigned works to programme and in compliance with relevant regulations.

• Coordinate and supervise site operatives, subcontractors, and work crews.

• Carry out hands-on civil engineering and groundworks activities where required.

• Lead daily briefings, toolbox talks, and promote a strong safety culture across site.

• Work closely with Site Managers and Engineers to plan daily activities and resource requirements.

• Monitor quality and ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, and project requirements.

• Allocate labour, plant, and materials effectively to maximise productivity.

• Identify and resolve site issues while maintaining project milestones.

• Ensure completion of work in accordance with the main contractor's programme and requirements.

• Prepare and submit daily site reports and progress updates.

• Maintain site records and ensure all works are completed in accordance with RAMS and company procedures.

Essential Requirements

Proven experience working as a Tunnelling Supervisor, Black Hat Supervisor, Foreman, or similar supervisory role

Tunnelling and/or Shaft experience

CSCS Black Card (Supervisor)

SSSTS or SMSTS

Strong understanding of temporary works, health & safety, and QHSE requirements

Experience supervising site teams while remaining actively involved in site operations

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings

Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills

Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable Qualifications

• First Aid at Work

• Temporary Works Awareness

• Experience within utilities, pipe jacking, microtunnelling, shaft sinking, or major civil engineering projects

LIFE Culture
At the Joseph Gallagher Group, we're promoting a culture change within the industry and demonstrating initiatives to dramatically improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing. In 2014, we launched our award-winning cultural safety programme (LIFE) which is deeply embedded into the company’s DNA and core values.

Equality and Diversity
The Joseph Gallagher Group are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to enable you to be the best you can, please contact the HR team at HR@josephgallagher.co.uk.