At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting water projects and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in smart infrastructure solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a focus on safety and well-being.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the water sector while advancing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing multidisciplinary projects, preferably in the water sector.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Costain have won extensive work across the water sector to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by Northumbrian Water to the Living Water Enterprise to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme with contracts valued up to c.670m to Costain over 15 years. We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join the Framework team and drive quality delivery.
The Project Manager will support the delivery of planned work across the Northumbrian Water region and develop key relationships within Northumbrian Water operational personnel, supply chain partners and wider Enterprise Partners. The role will require experience of both design and delivery of water projects with the successful individual either responsible for the delivery of one major project or a portfolio of smaller projects.
Costain helps to improve people’s lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK’s energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK’s leading smart infrastructure solutions company.
We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets:
- Future-shaping strategic consultancy;
- Consultancy and advisory;
- Digital technology solutions;
- Asset optimisation;
- Complex programme delivery.
Our culture and values underpin everything we do.
Previous experience of managing multidisciplinary projects including Civils and MEICA (preferably in the water sector).
Strong track record of delivery of project programmes.
Knowledge and understanding of construction contract law and forms of contract through experience and formal training.
Ability to build trusted relationships with key client stakeholders, within your team and across the Framework & Costain group.
Computer competence (MS Word, Excel, Document control system, Primavera software).
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
HNC/HND or degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
SMSTS qualification.
Relevant CSCS card.
Leadership, line management and development of site teams.
Provide whole life oversight and accountability for the successful completion of projects and services, through design, procurement, assembly, commissioning, and handover.
Ensure supply chain remain compliant with the framework management plan.
Provide Leadership to create a safety culture to ensure Zero LTI and RIDDOR Incidents.
Ensure a commercial focus with a high level of challenge on project scope and choosing efficient delivery strategies.
Ensure all stakeholders within the Enterprise are engaged at strategic & operational levels and supportive of the projects and services and their potential impacts.
Ensure consistent and reliable reporting of project/services performance into the relevant systems.
Ensure key project and programme risks are identified early, and mitigated where possible.
Full time
Posting Date: 2026-05-08
Project Manager employer: Costain
As a leading employer in traffic management, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and efficiency. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and support for professional development, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Located in a vibrant area with access to essential resources, we offer a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact the success of our projects and the safety of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨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 Costain, 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 Costain.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
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 Costain
✨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!
