At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting civil engineering projects in the North West region.
- Company: Join National Highways, a leader in infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on excellence and stakeholder engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community infrastructure while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualification and experience in project management required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
National Highways is excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Project Manager to join our team in the North West region. As a Project Manager, you will play a vital role in planning and managing the successful delivery of a portfolio of projects within our region’s 5-year rolling capital programme. You will oversee the performance of multiple external contractors and consultants, ensuring the highest standards of governance, quality assurance, health and safety, and technical compliance across the supply chain and National Highways. Your expertise will be key to achieving agreed project outcomes while adhering to mandatory and delegated responsibilities, driving excellence in every phase of the project lifecycle. This role is based from our Penrith or Preston office.
Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the Regional Management Team, Programme Delivery Managers, key stakeholders, suppliers and across National Highways teams. Ensure mutual understanding of the portfolio’s strategic and delivery objectives, to review and report on delivery performance, to agree solutions that resolve complex issues and to prepare project business cases.
Programme management, financial reporting and risk management against the capital expenditure budgets for all projects in scope, ensuring effective financial and contractual practices are in place and adhered to by all project resources. Ensure National Highways reputation is maintained throughout delivery of projects by delivering best practice customer and stakeholder communications. Proactively manage interaction with communities, stakeholders, transport operators, road users and businesses. Proactively identify and drive opportunities for improvements and implement required changes in own area of responsibility: champion and share portfolio management best practices across Operations. Manage and evaluate risks, issues, dependencies and constraints associated with the portfolio, leading the development and implementation of solutions to overcome these.
About you:
- Recognised qualification in relevant engineering discipline and/or with relevant experience in the delivery of Civil Engineering projects and portfolios.
- Proven portfolio and project management experience (related qualifications (e.g. MSP, APM, Prince2) is desirable.
- Evidence of contract management with specific experience of NEC 4 forms of contract.
- Good understanding of relevant legislation, technical standards and needs, construction practices in Construction.
- Excellent stakeholder management.
External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Project Manager - Scheme Delivery Operations in Preston employer: Highways England
National Highways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the North West region where Project Managers can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, collaborative culture, and commitment to excellence, we provide opportunities for professional growth while ensuring a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and innovation. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the infrastructure of our communities, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a reputable organisation dedicated to high standards and stakeholder engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Scheme Delivery Operations in Preston
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Highways England, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Manager - Scheme Delivery Operations at Highways England.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Scheme Delivery Operations in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Highways England
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
