Freelance Resident Engineer / Clerk of Works

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Resident Engineer / Clerk of Works to provide site-wide quality oversight on a major, high-profile construction development in South Wales.

The project involves the delivery of a large-scale indoor entertainment and events venue, requiring a thorough, coordinated approach to workmanship, specification compliance and quality assurance across multiple construction disciplines.

This is a site-wide role rather than a discipline-specific inspection position. The successful candidate will monitor works across the project, identify defects, assess compliance with approved drawings and specifications, and provide clear, independent reporting to the project team.

We require an established construction professional who can work autonomously, communicate effectively with contractors and site management, and confidently challenge poor workmanship or non-compliant work.

Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE) or the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (MICWIC) is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake regular, systematic site inspections across multiple construction work packages.
• Monitor workmanship and compliance against approved drawings, specifications, project requirements and applicable standards.
• Identify defects, incomplete works, poor workmanship and departures from the approved design.
• Produce accurate site inspection reports, photographic records, defect schedules and recommendations for corrective action.
• Monitor the progress of remedial works and verify that identified defects have been satisfactorily addressed.
• Review relevant drawings, specifications, method statements, inspection and test plans and quality documentation.
• Liaise with site management, engineers, subcontractors, consultants and client representatives to resolve technical and quality issues.
• Maintain a clear audit trail of observations, inspections, defects and outstanding actions.
• Escalate significant quality concerns promptly and objectively.
• Monitor interfaces between different trades and work packages to identify risks to overall construction quality.
• Provide independent, evidence-based feedback on site quality and compliance throughout the construction process.
• Maintain a professional, constructive and detail-focused approach while protecting the required quality standards.

Essential Requirements

• Current MICE or MICWIC membership, as specified for this assignment.
• Substantial experience in site inspection, construction quality assurance, resident engineering or Clerk of Works duties.
• Proven ability to inspect construction works against technical drawings, specifications and project requirements.
• Experience identifying defects, documenting non-conformances and monitoring corrective actions.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, workmanship and quality control across multiple disciplines.
• Excellent written reporting, record-keeping and communication skills.
• Confidence operating independently on a busy construction site and challenging non-compliant work professionally.
• A meticulous approach to detail, evidence gathering and quality assurance.
• Availability for a freelance assignment in Cardiff.

Desirable Experience

• Previous work on large-scale commercial developments, public venues, arenas, stadiums or other complex construction projects.
• Experience covering multiple work packages, including structural works, concrete, steelwork, architectural finishes and building interfaces.
• Familiarity with inspection and test plans, quality management systems and formal defect-management processes.
• Experience working for a client, engineering consultancy, construction inspectorate or main contractor in an independent inspection capacity.

The Ideal Candidate

You may currently be working as a Resident Engineer, Clerk of Works, Construction Inspector, Site Inspector, Quality Inspector or Senior Site Engineer.

You will be technically confident, highly organised and capable of providing independent oversight across the wider site rather than concentrating on a single trade or construction package.

This is an experienced freelance appointment, not a graduate or entry-level position.

Apply Now

Please submit your CV detailing your MICE or MICWIC membership, relevant site-wide inspection experience, previous projects, availability and required freelance day rate.

Freelance engagement only.

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