Salt, who joined Galliford Try when it acquired Miller Construction in 2014, is the biggest casualty in the business streamlining after major losses on the Queensferry Crossing and Aberdeen Bypass projects.

Around 350 job cuts are being targeted in the move to simplify the business and management structure.

The shake-up involves the closure of Galliford Try’s infrastructure business in Scotland, the reorganisation of its rail and aviation operations and a planned disposal of Morrison Falklands.

Galliford Try is also streamlining other business units and operations, particularly Building Southern.

Going forward construction chief Bill Hocking will also lead infrastructure, with rail and aviation projects being delivered through the regional building business units.

Chief executive Graham Prothero is also understood to have told staff that Galliford Try is also looking strategically at its hybrid construction and housing business model.

The group is now understood to be considering a possible demerger of construction from the more profitable housing and partnerships business with a possible timeframe of 2020/21.

A Galliford Try spokesman said: “As set out previously, Galliford Try has restructured its Construction and Investments business, with the Infrastructure division the most affected.

“The refocussed business will only operate in markets and sectors with sustainable long-term growth and profitability potential.”