Project Assistant in Lancaster

Who are we? First Subsea, based in Lancaster and part of the First Tech Group, has transitioned from oil and gas projects to offshore renewables projects where we supply a range of bespoke and patented products, such as lifting and recovery tools, and cable protection systems. All our products are designed, assembled and tested in-house, and we have recently opened a dedicated manufacturing and production facility for our cable protection systems.

As demand has grown for the products and services provided by First Subsea, the need for talented people has also grown in parallel. First Tech Group companies include First Marine Solutions, First Integrated Solutions, First Subsea, Andrews Survey, Tusk Lifting, First Competence, North Sea Compactors, Mooring Systems based in Aberdeen, Montrose, Glasgow, Liverpool, Teesside, Hull and Lancaster, with a headcount of around 400 staff.

The Role: We are seeking an experienced Project Assistant to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Lancaster. The role is primarily responsible for working with Project Managers to assist with the management and planning of individual contracts using the necessary skills required to deliver the needs of the customer, while working in accordance with project budgets and ensuring compliance with the technical and commercial obligations of the contract.

The successful candidate will hold previous experience in a similar position, be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programmes, and have the ability to develop and maintain client and supplier relationships.

Duties & Responsibilities: This list does not represent an exhaustive list but indicates the main responsibilities the post holder will be required to undertake:

• Actively assist/manage individual projects from Sales handover until final delivery controlling the financial, technical and commercial aspects of the contract.
• Responsible for the successful integration of all mechanical design activities, procurement, milestone completion and client-supplier meetings.
• Ensuring technical requirements defined in the contract are properly incorporated as an engineering deliverable.
• Working within the company HSE management system taking into account the additional specific health and safety requirements of customers.
• Manage and facilitate communication across the Engineering and Operations functions to ensure that the project deliverables are met and maintained.
• Mitigate project risk where possible.
• Coordinate project reviews.
• Support cost control and forecasting activities.
• Mentor execution of quality assurance programme for conformance of project requirements.
• Coordination of internal and external claims and technical issues.
• Take direction from Project Manager(s) for all aspects of project execution.
• Support commercial and technical negotiations with suppliers to ensure best value of equipment purchased, including payment terms and purchase order coverage.
• Review and update monthly cost reports.
• Conduct weekly engineering reviews.
• Prepare and maintain project schedules.
• Prepare cash flows for all relevant projects.
• Act as the deputy to the Project Manager and provide backup as required.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Essential: Previous experience in a similar role.
• Competent in Microsoft Office packages.
• Experience in an engineering environment.

• Preferred: Experience using Microsoft Project.

Personal Skills & Qualities:

• Ability to establish and maintain client and supplier working relationships.
• Commercial awareness.
• Ability to identify potential business issues and mitigate risk.
• Strong team working and communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.