Trainee Project Manager (FTC) in Wallingford

Location: Wallingford

Salary: To £40,000 depending on experience

IWS M&E mitigates and manages risk from mechanical and electrical failures for a wide range of customers in the public and private sectors throughout the UK. An established Principle Contractor and Designer within the MEICA Process sector, IWS M&E’s specialisms include pump diagnostics and refurbishment, turn-key project management, chemical dosing and control, and plant and infrastructure maintenance with emergency response.

Are you looking to develop a career in project management within a growing engineering and infrastructure business? As a Trainee Project Manager (FTC), you will support the successful planning, delivery and commercial management of Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) projects while gaining the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into a Project Manager role. Working alongside experienced project, commercial and operational teams, you'll play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards.

The Role:

As a Trainee Project Manager (FTC), you will gain hands-on experience across the full project lifecycle, supporting the delivery of M&E projects from initial enquiry through to completion. Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting Project Managers with planning, delivery and project administration activities.
• Assisting with site visits, surveys, inspections and project scoping activities.
• Helping to develop project programmes and monitor project progress.
• Maintaining project documentation, records and reporting requirements.
• Raising material orders and assisting with procurement activities.
• Supporting contract administration and client documentation processes.
• Monitoring project costs, budgets and forecasts.
• Assisting with supplier and subcontractor coordination.
• Supporting the preparation of tenders, quotations and pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs).
• Contributing to Health & Safety, CDM compliance and project risk management activities.
• Attending meetings with clients, contractors and project stakeholders.
• Building strong working relationships across operational, commercial and client teams.
• Supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities within existing client frameworks.

This role offers a structured development pathway, providing exposure to all aspects of project delivery and preparing you for progression into a Project Manager position.

What You'll Need:

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to work.
• Confidence building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• A positive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Ambition to build a long-term career in project management.

Experience & Knowledge

• Previous experience in a project coordination, project administration or similar support role would be advantageous.
• Exposure to construction, engineering, utilities or infrastructure environments is desirable.
• Understanding of project management principles would be beneficial.
• Site-based experience is advantageous.
• Water industry experience is desirable but not essential.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Training & Development

• Full training and development will be provided.
• Opportunity to gain practical project management experience.
• Clear career progression route into a Project Manager position.
• Ongoing support from experienced project delivery professionals.

What you’ll get in return:

• Family-Friendly Leave Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days.
• Financial & Life Assurance Life Assurance cover (role dependant) and a Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options.
• Health & Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme (8 counselling sessions) and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents.
• Lifestyle & Perks Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers.
• Professional Development Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities.
• Inclusion & Belonging Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, and more.
• Performance & Recognition Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
• Flexibility & Opportunities Overtime available and flexible shifts / hybrid working (role dependant).

At South Staffordshire Limited, inclusion matters. We have a wide range of employee networks which are employee-led communities that bring our people together, support different perspectives and create a strong sense of belonging. Our people are encouraged to get involved as members or allies. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientations, and physical and neurodiverse abilities. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and encourage you to let us know how we can best support you throughout the recruitment process.