Young Site Manager of the Year

Awarded to a young site manager who has excelled in managing construction projects, showcasing exemplary management skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership.

This year’s finalists represent the next generation of operational leaders — those turning blueprints into buildings, challenges into opportunities, and teams into success stories.

Ben Harrison – Wilten Construction

Overview

Rising rapidly through the ranks at Wilten Construction, Ben Harrison has demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical understanding, and a collaborative approach since joining the company just over a year ago. Starting as an Assistant Site Manager, his enthusiasm and proactive mindset quickly distinguished him, leading to a well-earned promotion to Site Manager within 14 months.

Why They Stood Out

Ben’s first major test came when he took full responsibility for two live sites — the Ian Marlow Centre and Travis Perkins Salford — both without a permanent project manager. Despite challenging conditions, including limited access, restricted parking, and tight deadlines, Ben implemented detailed delivery scheduling, innovative storage systems, and strong stakeholder communication.

His professionalism extended beyond the site boundary. He maintained constant dialogue with local businesses and residents, even installing vibration monitors to mitigate disruption. The result: both projects delivered safely, efficiently, and with community goodwill intact. Ben’s leadership extends to education and outreach — hosting college site visits and speaking at Leicester College to inspire future talent in construction. His journey from assistant to site leader has already become a case study in progression and potential.

Highlights

• Promoted from Assistant to Site Manager within 14 months.
• Managed two major live projects independently.
• Overcame complex access, delivery, and community challenges with precision planning.
• Achieved zero safety incidents and strong client satisfaction.
• Hosted college site tours and career talks to inspire young professionals.
• Praised for outstanding communication, problem-solving, and team morale.

Max Jordan – Dodd Group (Midlands) Ltd

Overview

At Dodd Group, Max Jordan has quickly distinguished himself as a Junior Site Manager with a rare mix of technical expertise, empathy, and innovation. His work on the company’s Building and Retrofit Programmes showcases his ability to manage people, processes, and residents with care and professionalism.

Why They Stood Out

Max has modernised site management through digital transformation — leading the creation of digital site packs and a QR code sign-in system that reduced paper use by 150 pages per job and improved safety tracking in real time. His leadership on the LAD3 Retrofit Programme for Birmingham City Council saw 570 homes upgraded — exceeding the 512 target — thanks to his planning, engagement, and drive.

Beyond metrics, Max’s compassion has made a human impact. On a particularly sensitive project for a grieving resident, he coordinated funding via the Fairer Future Fund to provide accessibility improvements, insulation upgrades, and essential home repairs. His thoughtful, holistic approach has earned client praise and demonstrated what socially responsible construction looks like in practice.

Highlights

• Delivered 570+ energy-efficient retrofits, surpassing project targets.
• Created digital site systems, cutting waste and improving safety tracking.
• Achieved 100% Trustmark compliance and funding performance KPIs.
• Led Energy Cafés for residents to promote sustainability awareness.
• Mentored new starters in PAS2030 compliance and document control.
• Speaker at Connections for Prosperity 2024 on best practices in retrofit delivery.

Sam Moran – EQUANS

Overview

Formerly in transport, Sam Moran made the bold decision to pivot into construction, joining EQUANS in 2022. Just 12 months later, his exceptional work ethic, leadership, and results led to his promotion to Site Manager — where he now leads the Kitchen and Bathroom stream for Birmingham City Council contracts.

Why They Stood Out

Sam’s performance has been outstanding from the outset. Within months of taking charge, he completed 165 property refurbishments, achieving practical completion by February 2025 with a combined value of £2.17 million — part of over £3.6 million in total workstreams delivered under his leadership.

He’s known for his calm authority and his mentorship. Sam has personally guided two newly promoted Assistant Site Managers through their transition into leadership roles, ensuring EQUANS continues to grow its next generation of managers.

His commitment to self-improvement is equally impressive: completing an NVQ Level 6 in

Construction Management, enrolling in Project Management Scheme PM1, and planning progression to a Level 7 degree programme. In just two years, Sam has become a benchmark for ambition, resilience, and excellence.

Highlights

• Delivered £3.6m+ of projects in under two years.
• Achieved 165 property completions within programme and quality benchmarks.
• Mentored two Assistant Site Managers into successful leadership roles.
• Completed NVQ Level 6; progressing to Level 7 and EQUANS PM1 leadership course.
• Recognised for exceptional project performance and client collaboration.
• Regarded internally as a model of professionalism and progression.

Nathan Hassall – Novus Property Solutions

Overview

At Novus Property Solutions, Nathan Hassall has proven himself to be a technically gifted and highly driven leader. In just four years, he has progressed from Site Supervisor to Assistant Contracts Manager, earning multiple industry awards and building a reputation as a reliable problem-solver and mentor.

Why They Stood Out

Nathan’s trajectory is defined by results and recognition. He’s the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Rising Star and Small-Scale Project of the Year from the ASFP, and BIM Champion from Birmingham University — achievements that highlight both his technical acumen and his leadership in innovation.

Having revitalised underperforming projects and restored client trust, Nathan is credited with increasing revenue streams and organisational confidence. His mentoring of apprentices ensures Novus continues to develop future leaders, while his pursuit of a degree in Construction Management reflects his relentless commitment to growth.

Highlights

• Promoted from Site Supervisor to Assistant Contracts Manager in four years.
• Winner: ASFP Rising Star, Small-Scale Project of the Year, BIM Champion (University of Birmingham).
• Revitalised failing projects and boosted client engagement.
• Mentors apprentices, fostering technical and leadership skills.
• Studying for a Construction Management degree alongside full-time work.

Joseph Brown-Pobee – Avenue Building Company Ltd

Overview

A specialist in healthcare construction, Joseph Brown-Pobee manages complex projects across the UK for Avenue Building Company Ltd. His work in highly sensitive hospital environments — including MRI, CT, and X-Ray installation projects — requires exceptional attention to detail, safety, and coordination.

Why They Stood Out

Joseph’s expertise lies in balancing precision with empathy. Working within live clinical settings, he ensures that construction activities cause minimal disruption to staff and patients. His ability to maintain timelines and budgets without compromising safety or quality has earned him client trust and repeat contracts.

As a mentor, Joseph plays a key role in training new employees and apprentices, sharing best practices for communication, safety, and client care. Beyond the workplace, he supports young people in his community — mentoring students and youth in his church who are pursuing construction careers, helping them see the opportunities the industry offers.

Highlights

• Specialist Site Manager delivering healthcare imaging projects nationwide.
• Expert in MRI, CT, and X-Ray facility builds, ensuring zero disruption to hospital operations.
• Trusted advisor and problem-solver for clients and colleagues.
• Mentor to apprentices and youth in both workplace and community settings.
• Actively pursues professional development through continuous training.
• Recognised for outstanding organisation, client communication, and leadership.

Wrap-Up

The Young Site Manager of the Year finalists represent the hands-on leaders defining the next era of construction.

Whether delivering multimillion-pound retrofits, revitalising community sites, or managing life-critical healthcare builds, they share one thing in common — the ability to lead with precision, empathy, and passion.

From Ben Harrison’s rapid rise to leadership, to Sam Moran’s transformative delivery record, to Nathan Hassall’s technical excellence — this shortlist proves that the future of site management is in exceptional hands.