At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting commercial design projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Kerr, a family-run business focused on innovative workspaces and strong values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a growing company committed to social impact and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in workspace design while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000+ (Dependent on Experience) plus bonus scheme
Work Pattern: Full time position.
Location: Swindon/On Site/Hybrid
Join Kerr and together we’ll transform working lives. We are seeking a highly organised and results‑driven Project Manager to join our growing team at Kerr Office Group. This is a pivotal role, responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of complex commercial design and build projects, from pre‑construction through to handover. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a hands‑on approach to project delivery, exhibit strong commercial awareness and show leadership in ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards, while upholding health & safety and regulatory compliance throughout.
What you’ll be doing:
- Develop and maintain detailed build programmes and timelines using Microsoft Project.
- Attend key client meetings during the pre‑construction phase, ensuring alignment of scope, timelines, and budget expectations.
- Develop and shape the project upfront by engaging with clients to define requirements, coordinating with design and estimating teams to produce proposals and programmes, reviewing designs for buildability and compliance, and identifying early risks, logistics needs, and statutory considerations.
- Strengthen commercial and client readiness by supporting tendering and subcontractor pricing, aligning cost plans and procurement strategies with budgets and long‑lead items, and contributing to client presentations with technical, programme, and value‑engineering input.
- Drive full project lifecycle delivery across AV, Power/Electrical, HVAC (M&E), Fire Detection, and Data disciplines.
- Ensure project compliance with CDM and H&S regulations, proactively mitigating risks and enforcing site‑level safety practices.
- Monitor and report on project profitability, identifying cost‑saving opportunities and controlling variations.
- Coordinate with internal teams and subcontractors to ensure milestones are met and client expectations exceeded.
- Compile and maintain accurate and timely weekly project reports.
- Produce and issue variation orders, tracking approvals and maintaining variation logs.
- Manage and review project valuations and staged payment applications in line with JCT or equivalent contract structures.
- Take accountability for final project delivery, including lessons learned for any overspend or delay.
Team & Stakeholder Management:
- Conduct weekly 1:1s with direct reports (e.g., Site Managers), and lead bi‑annual performance reviews against defined KPIs.
- Provide mentorship and structured development for site‑based teams, ensuring appropriate training, career progression, and professional discipline.
- Participate in the recruitment and selection of new team members.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by implementing systems and processes that drive operational efficiency.
Pre‑Construction Support:
- Assist in the production of cost plans and pre‑project programmes in collaboration with Quantity Surveyors and the Design team.
- Support early‑stage risk register compilation and provide technical input during tender stages.
- Evaluate professional fees during quoting stage and support the sign‑off process with commercial oversight.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in project management within the office fit‑out, construction, or design & build sector.
- Competence in Microsoft Project and project reporting systems.
- Strong commercial acumen and contract knowledge (e.g., JCT).
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- A proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset.
Working with Kerr:
We’re Kerr, a family‑run business, built on strong values and doing the right thing. With a focus on creating innovative workspaces that people love, we provide workspace strategy, design, fit‑out, and furniture services. Our people‑first approach to space enables workplace cultures to thrive, empowering organisations to flourish. It’s an approach we firmly believe in and we reflect internally too. Our Kerr promises are the cornerstone of how we do business, guiding our decisions and our actions. They guide how we treat each other and our customers:
- We’re curious to always learn more.
- We’re experts in our craft.
- We own our actions.
- We treat each other like family.
If you recognise these promises and they reflect the way you like to work, you could be a great fit for Kerr. We’re currently experiencing an exciting period of growth and you’ll join us at this pivotal time, contributing to our success.
What’s in it for me?
At Kerr, we deliver high‑quality workspaces for high‑growth companies. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious team that values innovation, integrity, and human connection. This role offers the chance to lead prestigious projects while contributing to our continued growth and reputation as a market leader in the South West. You’ll be joining a B1G1 (Buy 1 Give 1) Business For Good, committed to making a positive impact. This involves donating a percentage of our profits to charitable causes locally, nationally and internationally, aligning with our company values. Upon completion of projects, we provide clients with a detailed report outlining the positive social impact they have supported by choosing to work with us.
Apply: If you’re a proactive, detail‑driven Project Manager who thrives on delivering high‑quality commercial spaces and you’re ready to be part of a business that values trust, innovation, and excellence, we want to hear from you. To apply, please send us your CV and covering letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position. Join our team and help shape the future of workspace design and build, revolutionising the way people work and thrive in their environments.
Project Manager in Swindon employer: Kerr Office Group
Kerr Office Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first approach, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a family-run business, we offer our Project Managers the opportunity to lead prestigious projects while contributing to meaningful charitable causes through our B1G1 initiative. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, you will thrive in an environment that values integrity, curiosity, and excellence, all while making a positive impact in the South West.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Swindon
✨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 Kerr Office Group, 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 at Kerr Office Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Swindon
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 Kerr Office Group
✨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!