At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex gas infrastructure projects from design to delivery while managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: IES Utilities Group, a top UK utility provider focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term career opportunities, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with clear progression pathways into senior roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector with a focus on safety and quality.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in UK gas industry project management and relevant engineering degree.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Job Title
Senior Project Manager / Contract Manager
Salary
Competitive and dependent on experience
Location
Home Based / UK Wide
Contract
- Permanent / Full time
- About IES
IES Utilities Group is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end multi discipline solutions.
Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, providing survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide.
With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future-ready infrastructure networks across the UK.
About the Role
IES Group is seeking an experienced Senior Project / Contract Manager to lead the delivery of complex engineering design and build projects within the UK gas infrastructure sector.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe, compliant, and profitable delivery of major gas transmission and distribution projects from initial development through detailed design, construction, commissioning and handover.
This role requires extensive experience managing multidisciplinary teams, commercial performance, client relationships, and programme delivery within highly regulated environments.
The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record delivering projects for National Gas and Cadent and have a strong understanding of UK gas industry standards, policies, and operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Lead the successful delivery of complex gas infrastructure projects across design and construction phases.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery to agreed scope, programme, quality and budget.
- Develop and implement project execution strategies aligned to client and business objectives.
- Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with relevant UK gas industry specifications, standards and legislation.
- Provide leadership throughout project life cycles from concept through commissioning and handover.
- Contract Management
- Manage NEC, bespoke client and framework contracts.
- Monitor contractual obligations, risks, opportunities and change management processes.
- Ensure robust commercial governance and control of project costs, budgets and forecasting.
- Lead the resolution of contractual issues and disputes where required.
- Work closely with commercial teams to maximise project profitability and cash flow performance.
- Client Relationship Management
- Act as the primary senior interface with National Gas, Cadent and other strategic clients.
- Develop long-term client relationships through consistent delivery excellence.
- Lead project review meetings, governance boards and stakeholder workshops.
- Identify and support business development opportunities within existing frameworks and contracts.
- Leadership and Team Management
- Lead multidisciplinary teams including engineering, construction, commercial, planning and HSEQ personnel.
- Provide mentorship and professional development support to Project Managers and Engineers.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability and delivery.
- Support recruitment and resource planning activities across the Gas Division.
- Health, Safety, Quality and Environment
- Champion IES Utilities' health, safety and wellbeing culture.
- Ensure all projects comply with CDM Regulations, client requirements and company procedures.
- Promote sustainable delivery methods and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Drive quality assurance and governance processes across all projects.
- Risk and Governance
- Identify, manage and mitigate project and contractual risks.
- Produce and present project performance reports to senior leadership and clients.
- Ensure compliance with all internal governance, reporting and approval processes.
- Maintain robust programme controls and change management procedures.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 10 years' experience delivering engineering and construction projects within the UK gas industry.
- Demonstrable experience managing complex design and build projects.
- Significant experience delivering projects for National Gas and Cadent.
- Strong understanding of gas transmission, distribution and associated infrastructure.
- Experience operating within framework agreements and regulated utility environments.
- Proven track record managing projects from bid stage through to final account.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary delivery teams across geographically dispersed locations.
- Strong commercial and contractual management experience, including NEC forms of contract.
Essential Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or a related discipline.
- Valid UK Driving Licence.
- Professional membership with a recognised institution (ICE, IET, IChem E, APM or equivalent).
- SMSTS or equivalent site management qualification.
Desirable Qualifications
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
- APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) or equivalent.
- NEC Project Manager Accreditation.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner.
- CDM Principal Contractor or Principal Designer experience.
- Key Competencies
- Strategic leadership.
- Commercial acumen.
- Stakeholder management.
- Contract negotiation.
- Risk management.
- Programme management.
- Team development.
- Client relationship management.
- Decision making.
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Travel Requirements
- Regular travel to Manchester Head Office and project sites across the UK.
- Occasional overnight stays may be required depending on project location and operational requirements.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Long-term and stable career opportunities.
- Exposure to major utility and infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Professional development and ongoing training support.
- Opportunity to work within a growing and ambitious engineering business.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment focused on safety, quality and innovation.
- Clear progression pathways into Senior Engineering, Design Management and Technical Leadership roles.
Senior Project Manager / Contract Manager in Manchester employer: IES Utilities Group
IES Utilities Group Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team environment and a commitment to employee growth through career progression opportunities. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, employees can take pride in contributing to essential utility networks while enjoying a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowance and pension plans.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager / Contract Manager in Manchester
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Project Manager / Contract Manager role you’re after at IES Utilities Group.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager / Contract Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Project Manager / Contract Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at IES Utilities Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to IES Utilities Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at IES Utilities Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with IES Utilities Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like IES Utilities Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
