At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing major projects and solve complex challenges in infrastructure and construction.
- Company: Join KPMG's innovative Major Projects Advisory team with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with 20 office locations and a commitment to your career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant projects across various sectors in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management, project controls, or engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
KPMG’s Major Projects Advisory (MPA) team works closely with some of the most influential and innovative industry-leading organisations, across both the public and private sectors, helping them navigate and successfully resolve some of the most complex and significant challenges inherent in large-scale infrastructure and construction projects. This role will be based in one of these locations but could require some travel to client locations throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.
We provide clarity to Boards, Executives, and Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) within major public and private sector organisations regarding the delivery of their projects and programmes. We work on some of the UK’s most strategically important projects and programmes, across all sectors including power and utilities, transport, corporates, oil and gas, defence, health, natural resources, housing and education.
Our team comprises specialists with deep construction industry experience, with experience working for project owners, contractors, cost and engineering consultants and others in the UK and overseas. This role is for an ambitious professional at Assistant Manager level, who can work alongside our existing team to use their lived delivery experience of infrastructure and construction, and commercial acumen, to solve complex problems on behalf of our clients.
You will bring experience in cost and commercial management, advisory, and assurance, applied to a diverse range of construction or infrastructure projects. You should have experience in a field such as commercial management & quantity surveying, project controls, civil, mechanical or electrical engineering, or you may have held a specialist assurance role within a client or in a public sector organisation. An ability to assess new situations and data quickly to provide a basis for developing an understanding of causal factors.
An ability to proactively manage the monthly drumbeat of activity to ensure deadlines are met and all activity is delivered to a high quality. A good understanding of the key factors which influence costs on construction projects. A good understanding of typical contractual mechanisms operating in infrastructure and industry-standard contract forms. A good understanding of key issues which impact project performance.
Experience drafting and reviewing key commercial documents such as briefing notes, recommendations and commercial reports. Experience of resource forecasting and management including work planning, annual leave tracking and timesheet analysis. Ability to support project financial management including the production of monthly applications for payments in line with reporting requirements.
- Cost and Commercial Management
- Project management
- Project controls
- Earned value management
- Risk management
- Programme management
- Resource management
- Claims, disputes and dispute avoidance
- Governance and control of projects
We’re looking for people to grow with us and are committed to helping everybody reach their destination, regardless of what that is. No matter what skills you bring to our team, you’ll be surrounded by spirited, naturally curious people. We are open to talk to major projects advisory talent across the country but our core hubs for this role are: With 20 sites across the UK, we can potentially facilitate office work, working from home, flexible hours, and part-time options.
Assistant Director of Projects in Manchester employer: KPMG UK
KPMG is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a significant impact in the Major Projects Advisory sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer a dynamic work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation across our 20 UK offices. Our flexible working options and focus on professional development ensure that every team member can thrive while contributing to some of the UK's most important infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Projects in Manchester
✨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 KPMG UK, 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 Assistant Director of Projects at KPMG UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Projects in Manchester
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 KPMG UK
✨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!