At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-stakes civil infrastructure projects in rail or aviation, managing teams and ensuring compliance.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure delivery organisation making a significant impact in civil construction.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative projects that shape the future of transport and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in civil infrastructure, strong leadership skills, and relevant project management certifications required.
- Other info: This is a contract role based in Hounslow, UK, with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Project Manager – Rail/Aviation
Location: Hounslow, UK
Employment Type: Contract (INSIDE IR35)
Sector: Rail or Aviation – Civil Construction / Infrastructure Projects
A leading infrastructure delivery organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to oversee complex, high-stakes civil infrastructure works in the rail or aviation sectors. Based in Hounslow, the successful candidate will lead multiple Project Managers and cross-disciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle, using structured delivery methodologies including RIBA Stages, NEC3/4, and CDM 2015. Strong leadership, contract expertise, and senior stakeholder management are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the end-to-end delivery of major civil infrastructure projects through all RIBA Work Stages (0–7), ensuring alignment with strategic, regulatory and commercial objectives. Manage and mentor a team of Project Managers, Engineers, and commercial staff across multiple workstreams.
- Coordinate design, construction and commissioning activities, ensuring clear progress through Stage Gate reviews, with associated deliverables and approvals.
- Ensure full CDM 2015 compliance across all project stages, with emphasis on design risk management and health & safety leadership.
- Administer NEC3/NEC4 contracts, including early warnings, compensation events, programme updates, and contractual correspondence.
- Lead stakeholder engagement with clients, regulators, third parties, and senior leadership—representing the project at governance boards and gateway reviews.
- Drive project planning, scheduling, cost forecasting, risk management, change control, and performance reporting.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of key deliverables at each RIBA stage, including Feasibility, Concept, Developed and Technical Designs, and handover documentation.
- Manage interfaces between internal delivery teams, consultants, and supply chain partners to ensure programme integration and consistent quality.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, assurance and proactive problem-solving within the project teams.
Key Requirements
- Extensive experience delivering high-value, high-risk civil infrastructure projects within rail or aviation sectors.
- Proven track record leading projects through full RIBA stages, from Strategic Definition to In Use.
- Demonstrable experience managing multiple Project Managers and overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong working knowledge of CDM 2015, including Principal Designer and Principal Contractor obligations.
- Experience in telecommunications
- Expertise in NEC3/NEC4 contract administration and project governance.
- Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels, with strong leadership in stage gate and assurance processes.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills with experience engaging executive and regulatory stakeholders.
- Commercially astute with experience managing budgets, change, risk and programme performance on complex projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Chartered status (e.g., CEng, MAPM, MCIOB)
- Formal project management certification (e.g., APM, PRINCE2, PMP).
- Experience working on regulated infrastructure projects (e.g., Network Rail, HS2, DfT).
- CITB/CMITB recognised qualifications or structured training.
- Rail or aviation-specific certifications (PTS, Airside Pass, SMSTS) desirable.
Senior Project Manager - Aviation employer: ECS Resource Group
Contact Detail:
ECS Resource Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager - Aviation
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the rail and aviation sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and employers. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and current projects, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as RIBA Stages and NEC contracts. Consider seeking out online courses or resources that can deepen your understanding of these frameworks, as demonstrating this knowledge during interviews can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences managing complex projects. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced, how you led your team through them, and the outcomes. This will showcase your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives in the rail or aviation sectors. Understanding their current focus and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager - Aviation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in civil infrastructure projects, particularly within the rail or aviation sectors. Emphasise your leadership roles and any relevant project management certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Showcase your experience with RIBA stages, NEC contracts, and stakeholder management to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of successful projects you've managed, focusing on your ability to lead teams, manage risks, and ensure compliance with CDM regulations. Quantify your achievements where possible.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professionally presented to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECS Resource Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Project Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex projects, highlighting your mentoring experience and how you foster collaboration among team members.
✨Understand the RIBA Stages
Familiarise yourself with the RIBA Work Stages, as this role requires overseeing projects through all stages. Be ready to discuss your experience with each stage and how you've ensured compliance and alignment with strategic objectives in past projects.
✨Prepare for Contractual Discussions
Given the emphasis on NEC3/NEC4 contracts, brush up on your knowledge of contract administration. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've managed contractual issues, such as early warnings or compensation events, and how you navigated these challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Strong communication skills are crucial for this role. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders, clients, and regulators. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've represented projects at governance boards or gateway reviews.