Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems in London

Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems in London

London Full-Time No home office possible
Construction, Property and Engineering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-profile rail projects, ensuring timely execution and adherence to contract standards.
  • Company: Join a leading firm in the rail industry with a focus on innovation and excellence.
  • Benefits: Freelance role with ongoing opportunities and potential for long-term engagement.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values equality and supports all applicants.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in the rail sector while developing your project management skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in rail project management and NEC3 contract administration is essential.

I'm seeking an experienced Schemes Project Manager to join my client working on a large high profile contract in West London. This is a freelance position which will continue on an ongoing basis for next 2+ years. You will be the primary driver of project execution, sitting at the intersection of complex engineering and rigorous contract administration. We need a candidate who understands the unique rigors of client‑side requirements (Network Rail/HS2) while having the "boots on the ground" commercial awareness of a Tier 1 / Principal Rail Civils contractor.

Duties

  • NEC3 Contract Administration: Lead the administration of contract mechanisms, with a heavy focus on managing Early Warnings (EW), Compensation Events (CE), and General Communications (GC).
  • Project Execution: Act as the primary lead for overseeing project activities, ensuring all milestones are achieved on time, within budget, and in accordance with the Project Control Execution Plan.
  • Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify and log project risks. Work closely with the wider team to quantify impacts and elevate critical blockers to senior leadership.
  • Periodic Reporting & Data Integrity: Own the narrative for periodic project reports. Partner with Project Controls to utilize Dashboards and data‑driven insights to provide a transparent view of project health.
  • Governance & Audit: Ensure strict adherence to HS2 PMO standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining "one version of the truth" across all systems and keeping the project audit‑ready.

Requirements

  • Rail Industry Experience: Proven track record working both client‑side (e.g., Network Rail) and for Tier 1 Rail Civils contractors.
  • NEC Expertise: Advanced knowledge of NEC3 contract administration is non‑negotiable.
  • Project Controls Proficiency: Demonstrable experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), including CPI / SPI (SVI) performance analysis and schedule integration.
  • Technical Background: Ideally, a degree in Civil Engineering, Project Management, or a related infrastructure field.
  • Software & Systems: Proficiency in project controls tools and the ability to interpret complex data sets into actionable briefings.
  • Soft Skills: Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to manage up to a Head of PMO/Board level.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems in London employer: Construction, Property and Engineering

Join a dynamic team in West London as a Schemes Project Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-profile rail projects. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth, offering ongoing freelance opportunities for the next two years. With a focus on innovation and excellence, we provide a supportive environment that empowers you to excel in your career while making a meaningful impact in the rail industry.

Construction, Property and Engineering

Contact Detail:

Construction, Property and Engineering Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems in London

Tip Number 1

Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the rail industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews like a pro. Research the company and its projects, especially if they’re involved with Network Rail or HS2. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly around NEC3 contract administration and project execution.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your soft skills! In the rail industry, stakeholder engagement is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully managed relationships and communicated effectively with senior leadership in past roles.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems in London

NEC3 Contract Administration
Project Execution
Risk & Issue Management
Periodic Reporting
Data Integrity
Governance & Audit
Rail Industry Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Schemes Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with NEC3 contract administration and any relevant rail industry projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with 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 the perfect fit for this freelance position. Mention your understanding of client-side requirements and your hands-on experience with Tier 1 contractors. Let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Your Soft Skills:Don't forget to highlight your stakeholder engagement skills! We value excellent communication and the ability to manage relationships at all levels. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex project environments in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Construction, Property and Engineering

Know Your NEC3 Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your NEC3 contract administration knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed Early Warnings and Compensation Events in past projects. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can apply it practically.

Demonstrate Project Execution Skills

Prepare to talk about your experience in overseeing project activities. Highlight instances where you successfully met milestones within budget and on time. Use metrics or data to back up your claims, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Showcase Your Risk Management Expertise

Be ready to discuss how you've identified and managed project risks in previous roles. Share specific examples of critical blockers you've elevated to senior leadership and how you worked with your team to mitigate these issues.

Engage Stakeholders Effectively

Since excellent stakeholder engagement is key for this role, prepare to share examples of how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders, including senior management. Highlight your soft skills and how they’ve helped you manage relationships and drive project success.