At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting housing projects and shape future investment programmes for a thriving community.
- Company: Join Harlow District Council, an ambitious authority with a £150m housing programme.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible onsite work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team delivering impactful housing solutions in a vibrant area.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management, especially in housing refurbishment and multi-million-pound contracts.
The predicted salary is between 32400 - 43200 £ per year.
Initial 12 month contract (with a view to extend) at Harlow District Council, £450.00 per day (umbrella). Location: Harlow (1-3 days per week onsite).
Carrington West are supporting Harlow District Council in the recruitment of a Project Manager - Delivery on a 12-month temporary basis. Harlow District Council is an ambitious authority delivering a significant Housing Capital Programme, with investment of approximately £150m over the next two years. The council is building a high-performing team of professionals to support the delivery of its housing and asset management priorities.
The role involves joining Harlow Council's Housing Capital Works team as an experienced Pre-Construction Project Manager, supporting the early-stage development of a large-scale programme of refurbishment and component replacement works across occupied council homes, including both low- and high-rise blocks. This role sits within a fast-paced pre-construction environment where you will take responsibility for shaping future investment programmes before delivery begins. This includes ensuring schemes are properly scoped, designed, costed and fully compliant prior to handover to the delivery phase.
Working collaboratively with internal housing, asset management and procurement teams, as well as external consultants and technical advisors, you will help identify priority estates and buildings, coordinate surveys, inspections and feasibility work, and develop well-defined capital projects ready for tender and delivery. A key part of the role will involve ensuring all works are developed in line with CDM 2015 regulations, the Building Safety Act 2022 and RIBA Plan of Work principles, with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance and quality in occupied residential environments. You will also work closely with procurement colleagues to support the tendering and evaluation of consultancy services and planned works, and with delivery teams to ensure smooth transition from pre-construction into execution. Resident and leaseholder engagement will form part of the process, ensuring appropriate consultation is supported throughout programme development.
This is a role for someone who can operate across multiple schemes at different stages, maintaining a strong overview of programme priorities while driving detailed project development at pace.
The experience you will bring:
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role with either a housing association or local authority
- Proven experience managing housing refurbishment projects and multi-million-pound contracts (£3-5m)
- Experience managing consultants and contractor performance
- Experience of design and build contracts (desirable)
- Experience managing a team, including Project Managers and Resident Liaison Officers
- Strong experience in KPI reporting, budget monitoring, and monthly valuations
- HND or RICS qualification (or equivalent)
If you are an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in housing delivery and capital works programmes, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking council with ambitious investment plans.
For more information or to apply, please contact Melanie at Carrington West by applying before Wednesday 8th July 2026.
Interim Pre-Construction Housing Delivery Project Manager in Harlow employer: Carrington West
Harlow District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of housing delivery within the community. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to work on significant projects that directly impact residents' lives, all while enjoying the benefits of Harlow's excellent quality of life and transport links. Join us in making a meaningful difference as we embark on an ambitious £150m Housing Capital Programme over the next two years.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Pre-Construction Housing Delivery Project Manager in Harlow
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Carrington West.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Carrington West appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Pre-Construction Housing Delivery Project Manager in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Carrington West know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Carrington West is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
