Project Manager - Water Catchment Area (Various UK locations) in Reading

Project Manager - Water Catchment Area (Various UK locations) in Reading

Reading Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jacobs

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead projects that shape the future of water infrastructure across the UK.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a leader in the growing water and environmental sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and free medical insurance.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management, especially with local authorities or the Environment Agency.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Your impact Shape the Future of Critical Infrastructure with Jacobs. Investment in the UK’s water and environmental sector is growing fast – and Jacobs is right in the middle of it. Our Water Catchment team works across entire river basins, taking a more joined‑up approach rather than focusing on single assets. We partner with organisations such as the Environment Agency, local authorities, and water companies to tackle real challenges such as flood risk, water quality, climate resilience, and biodiversity. This role is an opportunity to make a genuine impact, leading complex projects to shape how key infrastructure is planned and delivered across the UK.

You’ll be someone who can break down complex problems into clear, practical plans, bring teams along to deliver them, balance scope, budget and risk, and keep projects moving in the right direction. You’ll also build strong relationships, understand client needs, and support a collaborative team environment where people can do their best work. Ultimately, your experience will help deliver better outcomes for clients, communities, and the environment.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Lead multidisciplinary teams through all stages of a project, from early planning through to delivery
  • Work closely with clients such as the Environment Agency and water companies
  • Manage scope, budget, programme, and risk to keep projects on track
  • Develop practical delivery plans that align with client goals
  • Keep projects organised with clear milestones, reporting, and documentation
  • Ensure projects meet safety and regulatory requirements, including CDM
  • Look for ways to improve how projects are delivered, with a focus on sustainability
  • Support a collaborative team environment where people can do their best work
  • Be supported in an environment that values your input and gives you the space to lead

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Experience delivering projects, ideally with the Environment Agency or local authorities
  • Good understanding of flood alleviation schemes
  • Familiarity with the Five Case Model (SOC, OBC, FBC)
  • Experience with project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Primavera) and design platforms (e.g. AutoCAD, BIM)
  • Having an APM qualification or chartership (or similar) and/or experience working with NEC4 contracts (PSC or ECC) would be very desirable.

Role is based on 40 h per week work. Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office. Available locations: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Peterborough, Reading, Warrington, Bristol.

Benefits:

  • Up to 10% pension
  • 24 days holiday (+10 days bought)
  • Free medical insurance and more
  • Flexible working arrangements that support your well‑being and potential

Equal Opportunity Employer: As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

Project Manager - Water Catchment Area (Various UK locations) in Reading employer: Jacobs

Jacobs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the water and environmental sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that our team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact on critical infrastructure across the UK. Join us in shaping sustainable solutions that benefit communities and the environment, all while enjoying competitive benefits such as generous holiday allowances and comprehensive medical insurance.

Jacobs

Contact Details:

Jacobs Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Water Catchment Area (Various UK locations) in Reading

Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives

Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.

Join Industry-Specific Organisations

Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Jacobs.

Show Off Your Projects and Passion

Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.

Utilise Environmental Job Boards

Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Jacobs and can help us land that full-time gig.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Water Catchment Area (Various UK locations) in Reading

Project Management
Client Relationship Management
Budget Management
Risk Management
Flood Alleviation Schemes
Five Case Model (SOC, OBC, FBC)
MS Project

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Jacobs.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Jacobs will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.

Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Project Manager - Water Catchment Area (Various UK locations) at Jacobs. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs

Brush Up on Environmental Regulations

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Jacobs, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Jacobs that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.