National Project Manager (Capital and Repair Works) in Manchester
HISTORIC ENGLAND Manchester About the role
Historic England is the public organisation that brings new life to heritage to build a better future for every place and everyone. This is a full time, fixed-term contract until 31st March 2027. The location of this role is national, inclusive with hybrid working. You will be based in one of our following offices and from home - Newcastle, York, Manchester, Birmingham, Swindon, Bristol, Portsmouth (Fort Cumberland) and Cambridge.
We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive defined benefit pension scheme to which we make 28.97% employer contributions, a generous 28 days holiday, corporate discounts, free entry into English Heritage sites across the country and development opportunities to ensure you achieve your goals.
What you will be doing
This role is based in our Portfolio Development and Delivery (Portfolio) department, which has responsibility for Historic England’s Unified Portfolio and Delivery Pipeline and for managing major portfolios, programmes and projects of organisational significance. You will manage capital and repair projects and initiatives from across Historic England’s office estate. You will be responsible for ensuring effective management and delivery of a range of projects. You will work with external consultants and contractors, as well as colleagues from a wide range of departments across Historic England (HE) from Architects and Surveyors to Facilities Managers and HE’s technical conservation specialists.
Who we are looking for
- Experience in construction project management working on public estates/portfolio of existing buildings
- Qualification in Building Surveying, Construction Management, Architecture or other relevant construction field
- Comprehensive understanding of building methods, materials, defects and maintenance/repair approaches for buildings of various types and ages
- Understanding of public sector procurement processes (including the Procurement Act 2023) and industry frameworks such as the RIBA Plan of Work 2020
- Excellent communication skills with ability to analyse data/information and present it and its conclusions clearly and concisely
Please note your application will be scored and assessed against the above criteria. We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you. Having won the Gold Award from MIND for workplace wellbeing in seven consecutive years, we also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. We are an inclusive employer and believe that flexible working options are for everyone. We want to make sure our working arrangements don’t prevent anyone from joining us because of their personal circumstances. We also want to provide you with the best balance in your home and work life that we can. We are open to considering options including job sharing, part-time working, compressed hours working and different working locations, including hybrid working.
Why work for Historic England
We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Diversity helps us to perform better and attract more people to support our work. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and candidates with disabilities as they are underrepresented within Historic England at this level. Historic England wants all of our candidates to shine in the recruitment process. Please tell us what we can do to make sure you can show us your very best self.
At Historic England we use a hiring system called Applied. Applied is a behavioural science-backed recruitment platform that reduces bias, improves quality of hire and increases diversity. We do not use CV application for the majority of our hiring processes. You will answer a selection of questions that allow our hiring teams to test your skills and suitability for the role. At Historic England, we value the expertise and individuality each candidate brings and want to hear about this in your own words. If you require the use of AI tools or other resources to support your application, we ask that all information is factually accurate, original, and reflects your own experience. To best represent yourself, we encourage you to write in your own words and use AI-generated content only as inspiration—not as direct input.
Provisional interview dates: 28th July 2026.
Your tasks
Manage exciting capital and repair projects that breathe new life into heritage sites.
Your profile
Experience in construction project management and relevant qualifications required.
What's also included
Enjoy a competitive pension, 28 days holiday, and discounts at English Heritage sites.
Tech stack & ways of working
National Project Manager (Capital and Repair Works) in Manchester employer: HISTORIC ENGLAND
Historic England is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to heritage research while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture in Portsmouth. With a commitment to employee growth and a hybrid work model, we provide competitive benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about osteoarchaeology to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact on historic buildings while enjoying flexible working options.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 HISTORIC 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 National Project Manager (Capital and Repair Works) at HISTORIC ENGLAND.
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 HISTORIC 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!
Locations
- Manchester
