At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex public sector projects, ensuring delivery on time and to high standards.
- Company: Established South Coast contractor with a focus on meaningful public sector work.
- Benefits: Up to £90,000 salary, car allowance, pension, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Genuine progression opportunities within a growing company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on secure and complex projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, especially in public sector or secure environments.
An established South Coast main contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex public sector projects across the region, with a particular focus on MOD, MOJ and secure-environment schemes. This is a strong opportunity for a Project Manager who enjoys taking ownership of challenging projects, managing site-based teams, and working closely with clients, consultants and supply chain partners to deliver high-quality schemes.
The business delivers a mix of new build, refurbishment and upgrade projects across sectors including:
- MOD / defence
- MOJ / custodial environments
- Education
- Healthcare
- Public sector frameworks
- Civic and community buildings
- Live environment refurbishments
Projects are typically £10 million to £40 million and can involve sensitive working environments where planning, communication, health & safety and stakeholder management are all critical.
The Role
As Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading projects from early stages through to completion, ensuring they are delivered safely, on programme and to the required quality standards. You will oversee the wider project team, including site management, commercial, design, planning and building services support, while maintaining strong communication with the client and senior management team.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Taking overall responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of projects
- Leading site teams and ensuring everyone is working to the agreed programme
- Managing subcontractors, consultants and supply chain partners
- Overseeing health & safety, quality, environmental standards and site compliance
- Driving progress on site and identifying any risks to programme or budget
- Working closely with commercial teams on cost control, forecasting and reporting
- Managing client relationships and providing regular project updates
- Supporting design coordination, buildability reviews and value engineering
- Ensuring works are properly planned, resourced and delivered to specification
- Producing clear internal and external reports on project progress
- Creating a positive, well-organised and professional site environment
The Candidate
The client is looking for someone with a strong main contracting background and a proven ability to lead projects as the No.1 on site. You will ideally have experience in one or more of the following sectors:
- MOD / defence
- MOJ / prison / custodial
- Secure or live environments
- Healthcare
- Education
- Government / public sector frameworks
You will also need:
- Experience managing construction projects of around £10m+
- Previous experience as a Project Manager or Senior Site Manager stepping into a No.1 role
- Strong client-facing skills
- Good understanding of programme, quality, cost and risk management
- Confidence managing site teams and subcontractors
- A practical understanding of JCT / NEC contracts
- Strong communication and reporting skills
- The ability to work in secure environments and complete relevant clearance checks where required
Previous MOD or MOJ experience would be a strong advantage, but candidates from healthcare, education or public sector framework backgrounds will also be considered if they have strong project leadership experience.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £90,000
- Car allowance / company car
- Pension and benefits package
- Long-term regional pipeline of work
- Opportunity to work on secure, complex and meaningful public sector projects
- Supportive operational team
- Genuine progression within a growing South Coast contractor
If you’d like to talk this role through, please apply below or contact James Mitchell at the Southampton Hays office for a confidential conversation.
Project Manager in Winchester employer: Hays Construction and Property
Join a leading MEP consultancy in Antrim that prioritises innovation and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where your growth is nurtured through structured training and mentorship. As a Junior Sustainability Engineer, you'll engage in diverse projects while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a clear pathway to advance your career in building sustainability.
Contact Details:
Hays Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Winchester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Hays Construction and Property, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Hays Construction and Property and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Hays Construction and Property and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Construction and Property
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Hays Construction and Property, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Hays Construction and Property.
