At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting water and wastewater projects, ensuring sustainability and minimal disruption.
- Company: Join a leading environmental contractor with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure while working with innovative trenchless technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or relevant experience in wastewater projects required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with regular site visits and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Office-based (Slough) (Thames Valley / Essex), with regular site visits (min. once per site per month)
Salary: ~£70,000 + bonus + car allowance
About the Company (Water Division)
Our client is a leading environmental and civil-engineering contractor with over 50 years of experience in water, drainage, and sewer infrastructure across the UK and Ireland. They specialise in "no-dig" / trenchless technology (pipe and sewer relining, CCTV inspection, robotic cutting, pipeline access, culvert & tunnel rehabilitation, and full drainage/sewer maintenance services) for a wide range of clients — from governments and local authorities to commercial and residential sectors.
The business is part of a larger group that, as of 2025, employs some 180+ people across multiple UK and Ireland locations. In recent years, the company has secured significant framework contracts — including a ~£15 million contract for water/wastewater network services awarded 2025 for reactive maintenance, sewer cleaning and general network servicing works. Their project turnover spans a broad spectrum, from small repair jobs to multi-million-pound rehabilitation and infrastructure renewal works. Operating with advanced trenchless and civil-engineering techniques, the company emphasises sustainability, minimal disruption, and long-term infrastructure performance — providing trusted turnkey solutions to clients across the UK and Ireland.
Role Overview — Senior Project Manager
We are seeking a driven Senior Project Manager to lead a portfolio of water and wastewater projects (predominantly sewer and drainage rehabilitation / installation / maintenance) across the Thames Valley and Essex region. This role involves both office-based project planning, management and coordination — and regular site/client visits (minimum monthly site visits per project).
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of projects with combined value in the region of £10 million-£15 million.
- Lead and oversee a small team of 3-4 Project Managers (staff and subcontractors), providing guidance, support and oversight of their project delivery.
- Oversee all phases of project delivery: feasibility / design review, planning, execution, monitoring, handover and close-out, ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards.
- Manage interface and communications with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, local authorities and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure efficient resource allocation across projects, including scheduling, manpower, materials, subcontractors, and budget control.
- Report regularly to senior management on project status, risks, forecasts, and delivery performance.
- Conduct regular site visits (minimum once per month per site) to monitor progress, compliance, quality, and safety.
- Promote and implement company's trenchless/no-dig methodology and sustainability principles, supporting long-term infrastructure integrity and minimal environmental disruption.
Candidate Profile / Requirements
- Degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent) — or substantial proven experience in civil engineering relevant to water/wastewater projects.
- Strong background in wastewater / sewer infrastructure projects (rehabilitation, maintenance, relining, drainage systems). Experience with clean-water systems may be considered if candidate has relevant pipeline / lining / infrastructure experience.
- Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, ideally with a project portfolio of similar scale (£5 - £15 m).
- Experience in supervising and mentoring other PMs or project engineers.
- Knowledge of trenchless technologies (pipe relining, CIPP or similar lining systems, no-dig methods), sewer & drainage maintenance, and associated health & safety and environmental regulations.
- Strong planning and organisational skills, ability to manage budgets, resources, timelines and risks.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills — capable of liaising with clients, subcontractors, internal teams.
- Self‐motivated, decisive, with strong problem‐solving skills, and ability to maintain oversight across multiple sites.
- Willingness and ability to travel regionally (Thames Valley, Essex) for site visits.
Desirable
- Experience specifically in trenchless / no‐dig sewer/pipeline rehabilitation or relining.
- Familiarity with wastewater networks and maintenance contracts, including reactive maintenance and long‐term framework agreements.
- Understanding of UK water‐sector compliance standards, environmental and health & safety legislation.
- Financial acumen — able to manage project budgets, forecasting, cost control.
Senior Project Manager in Horton Kirby employer: Calco Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Calco Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Horton Kirby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know in the water/wastewater sector, the better your chances of landing that Senior Project Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with trenchless technologies and project management during interviews. Use specific examples from your past projects to demonstrate how you've successfully managed budgets and resources.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Reach out directly to companies you're interested in, like our client, and express your enthusiasm for potential opportunities. A proactive approach can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in working with us, which can give you an edge in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Horton Kirby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in water and wastewater projects, especially any relevant trenchless technology work. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience with project teams.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your project management skills. Talk about your experience managing budgets, timelines, and resources, as well as any successful projects you've led. We love seeing concrete examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calco Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects listed in your CV. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in relation to wastewater and sewer infrastructure. This will show your depth of experience and ability to manage similar projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Trenchless Technologies
Since the company focuses on trenchless technology, brush up on your knowledge of pipe relining and no-dig methods. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these techniques in past projects and their benefits in terms of sustainability and minimal disruption.
✨Demonstrate Strong Leadership Skills
As a Senior Project Manager, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples where you've successfully managed and mentored other project managers or engineers. Highlight your approach to team dynamics and how you ensure project delivery while maintaining high standards.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Show your interest in the role by preparing insightful questions about the company's future projects, their approach to sustainability, and how they handle client relationships. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.