Our client is recruiting an Project Manager to help bring one of the most significant pieces of new railway infrastructure in the UK into readiness for service. Based in Birmingham, the role sits at the heart of the Washwood Heath area, covering the Birmingham spur and the main maintenance depot. The spur is currently at design stage, and the role will grow with the programme as it moves through into construction. This is a real opportunity to develop construction delivery experience on a programme of genuine scale. This is not a cost control role. Your day-to-day purpose is to set priorities, coordinate the right people and make sure the right things happen at the right time. The depot is a critical asset for the railway, and your job is to make sure the work across the Washwood Heath area is integrated, sequenced and moving forward. You will work across the client team, the contractor and the wider supply chain, holding the connections between disciplines together and keeping delivery on track. You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams across the area, managing the interfaces between projects and making sure risks and issues are identified and resolved before they cause programme delay. You will lead the development of procurement and specification documents for the overhead works at Washwood Heath, working with technical, commercial and procurement colleagues to make sure the right work goes to market at the right time. You will manage the project interface with the joint venture responsible for site works and ground remediation, and you will keep the assurance and governance processes moving across the projects you own. Senior Project Engineers and a programme planner will support you directly. The complexity of this role comes from holding together a large and varied stakeholder group, managing concurrent workstreams at different stages of maturity, and thinking strategically while remaining focused on delivery. What you need to bring Your background is in project or programme delivery on major construction or infrastructure schemes, and you will have been close to the work. Experience gained in a consultancy environment on a construction project at design stage is directly relevant. A background as a Civil or Electrical Engineer moving into project management, could both work well here. What matters is that you understand how projects are developed and delivered, how procurement is structured and sequenced, and how to work across disciplines to keep things moving. You will be comfortable working in a matrix environment, coordinating people who do not report directly to you and influencing decisions across a varied stakeholder group. You will understand the project management basics, including how to manage an early warning process, how to read and interpret a programme, and how to identify and escalate risk. A degree in project management, engineering, commercial management or a related field is expected, though equivalent practical experience will be considered. Useful to have Experience on HS2 or a comparable major infrastructure or transport programme. A background that has taken you through more than one stage of a programme lifecycle, from design development through to construction delivery. Familiarity with P6 or comparable planning tools. Experience of working through interface issues between civil works and rail systems on a large programme. The role is based in Birmingham, with work focused on the Washwood Heath depot and the Birmingham spur
Project Manager, Washwood Heath, High Speed Rail in Birmingham employer: CPR
As a Senior Project Manager in the high-speed infrastructure sector, you will join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and excellence. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities to lead significant projects that shape the future of railway operations. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, we ensure that our team members are equipped with the skills and resources needed to succeed in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager, Washwood Heath, High Speed Rail in Birmingham
✨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 CPR, 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, Washwood Heath, High Speed Rail at CPR.
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 CPR
✨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!
