Manchester site boss named as one of UK's leading construction managers

Manchester-based John Mather is celebrating being named as one of the UK’s top site managers. 

Senior site manager John, 56, who works for Altrincham-based Lovell, has been chosen for a coveted Pride in the Job Quality Award by the NHBC (National House-Building Council).

The award is for John’s excellent management of The Way, the Lovell housing development at Beswick, east Manchester.  The accolade recognises the high standards of workmanship and quality at the development where Lovell is building a 550-home development of new homes for open market sale, shared ownership and affordable rent as part of a major regeneration project in partnership with New East Manchester and the local community.

John achieved the award following a rigorous assessment process by the NHBC. Judges visited the site and looked at all aspects of his management of the development, from the quality of the building work and health and safety on site, to John’s technical expertise, people management ability, customer care and commitment to excellence.

“I’ve been in the building industry for 41 years and to get an award like this is brilliant,” says John, who heads up a team of 80 tradespeople working on The Way. “I’m made up. It’s all down to the hard work of everyone on site and a really professional team performance.”

Over 18,000 site managers in the UK compete for the prized Pride in the Job awards with only 400 awards presented.

John, who lives in Hadfield, Glossop, began his construction career as an apprentice plumber, following his father and grandfather into the building trade. After working on sites as a plumber, he then trained as a site manager and worked his way up to his current role as a senior site manager with Lovell.

“I really enjoy what I do,” says John. “To be a successful site manager you have to get on with things and be prepared to take responsibility, it can be stressful, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. Another part of my job that I find satisfying is the training side, helping young people get their qualifications and make their way in the industry.”