Civils Project Manager – Utility Scale Solar

Contract Civils Project Manager – Utility Scale Solar

Location: South East England

Contract: Up to 12 months (anticipated start in 6–9 months)

Day Rate: Up to £600 per day (Inside IR35)

Envo Talent is partnering with a specialist renewable energy developer delivering utility scale solar projects across the UK. As the business continues to expand its portfolio of large ground mounted solar developments, they are preparing to mobilise a new project in the South East.

To support delivery, the company is looking to engage an experienced Civils Project Manager on a contract basis to oversee the civil construction scope of a utility scale solar farm in the 20–50MW range. This role will play a central part in ensuring the civil elements of the project are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with programme, creating the infrastructure required for the electrical installation and commissioning phases that follow.

Role overview

The Civils Project Manager will oversee the full civil construction lifecycle across the solar development, coordinating subcontractors and managing site infrastructure from early enabling works through to civil completion. Working closely with construction leadership, engineering teams and specialist contractors, the role will ensure that all site preparation, groundworks and balance of plant civil works are delivered to specification and aligned with the wider construction programme. The project is expected to commence construction in approximately six to nine months, giving the successful contractor the opportunity to support mobilisation planning and early site preparation before the main construction phase begins.

Salary and benefits

• Day rate up to £600 per day
• Contract duration up to 12 months
• Inside IR35 engagement
• Opportunity to support delivery of a utility scale solar project from mobilisation through to completion

Responsibilities and duties

• Oversee the civil construction scope across the solar development from mobilisation through to completion of civil works.
• Manage early enabling works including ground clearance, ecological constraints management and preparation of site access.
• Coordinate installation of perimeter fencing, site security infrastructure and gated access points.
• Oversee construction of access roads, haul roads, crane pads and hard standings required for plant and site logistics.
• Manage earthworks and ground engineering activities including grading, levelling and soil stabilisation where required.
• Supervise piling and foundation installation for solar mounting structures including driven piles, screw piles or rammed piling systems used for tracker or fixed tilt arrays.
• Oversee cable trenching and duct installation across the solar array and balance of plant areas.
• Coordinate construction of inverter station bases, equipment plinths and concrete foundations.
• Manage installation of surface water drainage systems, attenuation features and environmental mitigation measures.
• Oversee temporary works, compound setup and construction logistics planning across the site.
• Ensure civil works are delivered in line with the electrical installation programme and grid connection requirements.
• Lead subcontractor coordination meetings, monitor programme delivery and manage site quality and HSE compliance.

Professional qualifications and experience

• Proven experience delivering civil construction packages on utility scale solar projects typically between 20MW and 50MW.
• Strong understanding of solar construction infrastructure including ground mounted solar arrays, mounting system foundations and balance of plant civil works.
• Experience working with piling systems used in solar developments including driven piles, screw piles or rammed piles.
• Experience overseeing cable trenching, duct installation and underground infrastructure within solar arrays.
• Knowledge of drainage systems, attenuation features and environmental mitigation measures used on renewable energy sites.
• Experience managing site access infrastructure including haul roads, hard standings and logistics routes.
• Experience delivering inverter station bases, equipment foundations and concrete plinths.
• Strong understanding of RAMS development, contractor method statements and site risk management.
• Working knowledge of CDM Regulations and construction HSE management within renewable energy or infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing multiple subcontractors across large construction sites within solar, infrastructure or major civil engineering environments.

Personal attributes and behaviours

• Well organised and capable of managing complex construction activities across multiple subcontractors.
• Strong communicator who can coordinate effectively with engineering teams, construction management and specialist contractors.
• Practical and solutions focused approach to site delivery and programme management.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to maintain project momentum and manage site challenges effectively.