At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse capital projects from inception to completion, ensuring successful delivery.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to community development and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while managing impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and construction contracts is essential.
5 days a week Hybrid - Onsite Dorchester/Bridport 2 days a week. Commencing Aug 26 - Rolling contract £450 to £550 a day Inside IR35.
The Council is seeking an experienced interim Capital Project Manager to lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital projects across multiple service areas, including:
- Children's and SEND Capital Programmes
- Adults, Prevention and Housing Capital Programmes
- Economy and Environment Capital Programmes
- Corporate Capital Programmes
Projects may range from building refurbishments and extensions through to major new-build developments and infrastructure schemes delivered through a variety of procurement routes and construction contracts, including NEC and JCT forms of contract.
The postholder will provide client-side project leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from project inception and business case development through design, procurement, construction and handover. The role requires strong project management, commercial, contract administration, stakeholder management and governance skills to ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and in accordance with Council policies and governance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Capital Project Delivery
- Lead the successful delivery of a portfolio of capital construction and infrastructure projects.
- Manage projects through all stages of the project lifecycle, including feasibility, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover.
- Act as the Council's client-side lead, ensuring project objectives and outcomes are achieved.
- Develop and maintain project execution plans, programmes and governance arrangements.
- Ensure projects comply with statutory requirements, corporate policies and approved business cases.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with agreed scope, quality, budget and programme requirements.
- Contract Management
- Administer and manage projects delivered under NEC and JCT forms of contract.
- Lead contract management activities throughout project delivery.
- Monitor contractor performance against contractual obligations.
- Manage instructions, variations, compensation events, change control and contractual correspondence.
- Review and assess contractor programmes, progress and performance.
- Ensure contractual records are maintained and auditable.
- Support procurement activities and contractor appointments in accordance with Council procurement requirements.
- Commercial and Financial Management
- Develop and manage project budgets and cost plans.
- Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and funding allocations.
- Work closely with Quantity Surveyors and commercial advisors to manage project costs.
- Review valuations, payment applications, change requests and final accounts.
- Ensure robust financial control and value for money throughout project delivery.
- Identify and manage potential financial risks and opportunities.
- Programme and Risk Management
- Develop and maintain project delivery programmes and reporting schedules.
- Monitor project progress and ensure key milestones are achieved.
- Identify, assess and manage risks, issues and dependencies.
- Maintain project risk and issue registers.
- Lead risk mitigation activities and ensure timely escalation where required.
- Implement effective change control processes across projects.
- Design, Quality and Compliance
- Manage the design development process and ensure delivery against approved project requirements.
- Coordinate consultants, designers and technical advisors throughout project delivery.
- Ensure design quality and technical compliance are maintained.
- Support compliance with Building Regulations, Planning Conditions, CDM Regulations and other statutory requirements.
- Ensure sustainability, environmental and accessibility requirements are incorporated where required.
- Governance and Reporting
- Prepare reports, briefings and presentations for senior leadership teams, boards and committees.
- Provide regular reporting on project performance, including programme, budget, risks and key decisions.
- Ensure projects comply with the Council's governance framework and delegated authority arrangements.
- Support business case development, approvals and gateway reviews.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with service managers, operational teams, consultants, contractors and partner organisations.
- Manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate project decision-making.
- Support consultation and engagement activities where required.
- Represent the Council at project meetings, workshops and governance forums.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience delivering capital construction and infrastructure projects.
- Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience administering NEC and/or JCT construction contracts.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams and external consultants.
- Strong commercial and financial management experience.
- Experience working within public sector, local authority or similar governance environments.
- Experience managing projects through design, procurement and construction phases.
- Risk, programme and stakeholder management experience.
Desirable Experience
- Experience delivering projects across education, SEND, housing, healthcare, public realm, infrastructure or corporate estate sectors.
- Experience working with external funding streams and grant-funded projects.
- Knowledge of sustainability, decarbonisation and net-zero initiatives.
- Experience of framework procurement routes and public procurement regulations.
- Experience of managing contractors under Design and Build arrangements.
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Project Management, Construction, Engineering, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
- Professional membership of APM, CIOB, RICS, ICE or equivalent professional body.
Desirable
- PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent.
- NEC Project Manager Accreditation.
- Management qualification or leadership training.
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Commercially aware with sound financial acumen.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple projects.
- Collaborative and outcome-focused approach.
- Proactive risk management mindset.
- Ability to operate effectively within complex organisational and governance structures.
Reporting Line
Reports to: Senior Design Manager and Head of Capital Delivery / Capital Delivery Strategic Lead
Corporate Responsibilities
The postholder will:
- Support the Council's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Comply with all safeguarding responsibilities.
- Adhere to Health & Safety legislation and CDM requirements.
- Comply with Data Protection legislation and information governance requirements.
- Operate in accordance with the Council's financial regulations and procurement procedures.
- Promote sustainability and environmental objectives throughout project delivery.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Capital Project Manager in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant at Lytchett Minster School, you will benefit from a collaborative environment focused on student success, with opportunities for professional growth and training. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in education, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Capital Project Manager in Dorchester
✨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 Connect2Dorset.
✨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 Connect2Dorset appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Capital Project Manager in Dorchester
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 Connect2Dorset 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 Connect2Dorset 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 Connect2Dorset
✨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.
