Project Manager in Manchester

Join our Cardiff team as Project Manager guiding European EPC deliveries – lead engineering, procurement, construction with safety, clear client focus, on-time, within-budget results.

Overview

Based at the Head Office in Cardiff with regular travel across European project sites, the Project Manager is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects in industrial environments. This role provides leadership across engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, commissioning and handover phases to ensure projects are delivered safely, to programme, within budget and in accordance with contractual requirements. The Project Manager reports to the Operations Director and acts as the primary client contact and project performance owner.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead EPC projects from contract award through to completion and final account, developing and maintaining the Project Execution Plan (PEP).
• Define project strategy, programme, milestones and resource allocation to achieve objectives.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineering, planning, commercial, procurement and site management to deliver project scope.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, forecasts and cost control processes; report on financial performance.
• Oversee commercial performance, protect project margins and approve valuations, variations and subcontract awards within authority levels.
• Support claims management, contractual correspondence and supplier/subcontractor negotiations.
• Provide technical leadership and design coordination for piping systems, structural steelwork and mechanical installations.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, industry codes and standards and lead technical reviews and risk assessments.
• Manage design changes, scope control and technical queries to minimise programme and cost impact.
• Direct and support site teams across European locations to ensure safe and efficient execution of works in line with HSE policies.
• Monitor progress against the programme and critical path, implementing mitigation or recovery strategies as required.
• Oversee mechanical completion, commissioning and structured handover to client, ensuring punch lists are closed and documentation complete.
• Act as the primary client contact, leading progress meetings, executive reporting and professional communication.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and ensure contractual compliance across all project activities.
• Identify, assess and manage project risks (technical, commercial, programme) and ensure effective mitigation plans are in place.
• Ensure compliance with EPC contract conditions (NEC, FIDIC or bespoke forms) and maintain structured reporting and governance procedures.
• Lead, mentor and develop project engineers, planners and quantity surveyors promoting collaboration between the Cardiff office and site teams.
• Drive performance, accountability and continuous improvement across the project delivery team.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant proven experience managing EPC or industrial construction projects with responsibility for multi-discipline delivery.
• Experience with piping systems, structural steelwork and fabrication-heavy scopes.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams across office and site environments; experience managing European or international project sites advantageous.
• Experience operating under NEC / FIDIC or similar contract forms and managing contractual/commercial issues.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the EPC project lifecycle and construction sequencing for fabrication-heavy scopes.
• Strong financial management and cost-control capability, including preparing forecasts and managing margins.
• Familiarity with planning software (Primavera P6 / MS Project) and project controls practices.
• Knowledge of piping and structural codes, ability to interpret P&IDs, isometrics and GA drawings and understanding of fabrication / commissioning processes.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and accountability with the ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Commercial awareness and strong cost control discipline.
• Effective decision-making, problem-solving and risk management skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across multicultural teams.
• Ability to operate effectively across office and site environments and to travel regularly across Europe.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in brownfield modifications, shutdowns and complex handover activities.
• Familiarity with 3D model review tools such as Navisworks or similar.
• Relevant professional or technical certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2 or industry-specific qualifications) are advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, objective and collaborative with a commitment to integrity and transparency.
• Resilient and adaptable when managing competing priorities in fast-paced project environments.
• Proactive about learning and continuous improvement and willing to share best practice with colleagues and subcontractors.
• Respectful of diversity and inclusive when working with teams across locations and cultures.

Benefits of Working with Avantis Group – Project Management Careers

• Opportunity to lead challenging, high-profile EPC projects across the UK and Europe with a company that prioritises safety, quality and sustainability.
• Be part of an inclusive, international team with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits aligned with role and experience.

How to Apply – Project Manager

If you are committed to delivering safe, on-time and commercially-sound EPC projects and wish to join a team that values diversity and fairness, we welcome your application. Avantis Group encourages candidates of any gender, background or identity to apply. Please submit your CV and a brief covering statement highlighting relevant EPC project management experience, experience with piping/structural/fabrication scopes and your availability to travel across Europe.