At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting EPC projects across Europe, ensuring safe and efficient delivery.
- Company: Join Avantis Group, a leader in engineering and construction with a focus on safety and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while working in a diverse, international team.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in managing EPC projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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
- Project Delivery & Leadership: 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.
- Financial & Commercial Management: 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.
- Engineering & Technical Oversight: 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.
- Construction & Site Management: 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.
- Client & Stakeholder Interface: 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.
- Risk & Governance: 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.
- Team Leadership: 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 (for example 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
- 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
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.
Project Manager in Cardiff employer: AVANTIS
Join a forward-thinking shipbuilding company that prioritises innovation and excellence in hull construction. Located in China, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering you the chance to lead diverse teams on groundbreaking projects. With a strong commitment to safety and quality, we provide an environment where your contributions are valued and your career can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Cardiff
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like AVANTIS, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Manager at AVANTIS.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AVANTIS
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
