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- Tasks: Lead clean water and storm-water projects, ensuring quality and safety on-site.
- Company: A top civil engineering contractor with a strong focus on collaboration and quality.
- Benefits: Long-term job security, competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture with excellent staff retention and a strong pipeline of work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by delivering essential infrastructure improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within clean water or utilities infrastructure is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A leading civil engineering contractor with a long-standing presence in the regulated water sector is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support the delivery of clean water, Better Rivers and storm-water improvement schemes across a major North West water framework. Known for its collaborative culture, high retention, and commitment to quality, this organisation offers long-term stability and the opportunity to deliver meaningful infrastructure improvements across the region.
As Project Manager, you will take responsibility for the full lifecycle delivery of clean water and storm-water projects across key operational assets in Cheshire, Knowsley, Liverpool and surrounding areas. This is a hands-on, site-focused role where you will lead construction activities, manage stakeholders, and ensure safe, efficient and high-quality project outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of clean water and storm-water schemes in line with programme, budget, safety and quality targets.
- Maintain a strong on-site presence (approx. 80%) to support daily operations and oversee construction activities based in the north-west.
- Manage works on live assets, ensuring minimal disruption to operational networks.
- Review and interrogate design information, ensuring buildability, value engineering and compliance with framework specifications.
- Collaborate with designers, technical specialists and supply chain partners to resolve design queries and drive practical solutions.
- Act as the primary interface for the client and key stakeholders.
- Build strong, trust-based relationships through clear communication and proactive issue resolution.
- Represent the contractor at design reviews, progress meetings and site coordination sessions.
- Support commercial teams with forecasting, cost control, change management and subcontractor oversight.
- Provide accurate reporting on progress, risks and opportunities.
- Drive programme performance to meet contractual milestones.
- Lead and motivate site teams and delivery partners, promoting a culture of safety, quality and collaboration.
- Ensure compliance with CDM, environmental standards and framework requirements.
- Champion continuous improvement and uphold company values.
What You'll Need to Succeed
- Proven experience as a Project Manager within clean water, wastewater or utilities infrastructure.
- Background with a Tier 1 or major Tier 2 contractor on regulated water frameworks.
- Strong understanding of design processes, buildability and technical review.
- Excellent client-facing skills and the ability to build long-term relationships.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, programmes and subcontractors.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Better Rivers, storm-water management or environmental improvement schemes.
- Relevant engineering or construction management qualifications.
What You'll Get in Return
- Long-term framework security and a strong pipeline of work.
- A supportive, values-driven culture with excellent staff retention.
- Opportunities for progression within a stable and respected organisation.
- Competitive salary, car allowance/company car and discretionary bonus.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Senior Manager, Project Management in Preston employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Project Management in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your hands-on project management skills and your success in delivering clean water and storm-water projects. Make them see why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering quality infrastructure improvements. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Project Management in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Manager, Project Management. Highlight your experience in clean water and storm-water projects, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and client engagement abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how they align with the company’s commitment to quality and collaboration.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to emphasise your background with Tier 1 or major Tier 2 contractors. Detail your understanding of design processes and your ability to manage budgets and programmes effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specific clean water and storm-water projects you’ll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the key operational assets in Cheshire, Knowsley, and Liverpool. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to successful project delivery.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Since client and stakeholder engagement is crucial, prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships in past roles. Think about times when clear communication and proactive issue resolution made a difference. This will show that you can be the primary interface for clients and stakeholders effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your understanding of design processes and buildability. Be ready to discuss how you’ve reviewed design information and collaborated with technical specialists in the past. This will highlight your ability to drive practical solutions and ensure compliance with framework specifications.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Expect questions around budget management, forecasting, and cost control. Have specific examples ready that showcase your commercial awareness and experience managing subcontractors. This will reassure the interviewers that you can support the commercial teams effectively and drive programme performance.