Utilities Project Manager in Suffolk, Woodbridge

Based in our Suffolk office, hybrid working available.

Job Purpose / Overview

The Utilities Manager reports directly to the Utilities Senior Manager and is responsible for the direction and management of activities associated with the full life cycle delivery of a Utilities contract or work package assigned to them in accordance with the programme schedule and delivery budget. This post will ensure planning and delivery is in accordance with all safety, quality, time and cost parameters to meet the needs of the Project.

Its delivery will be reliant not only on innovative engineering and construction but also on the strongest qualities amongst Project Managers. The role is to provide management to ensure the effective delivery of your Utilities scope as part of the overarching Civils Programme of SZC, whilst recognising and managing the impacts of the programme on the wider Project. The Utilities Manager role is to develop the Implementation plan for delivering the Utilities scope to cost, schedule and quality within the agreed constraints.

The scope consists of new temporary and permanent connections, diversionary and protective measures and monitoring repair and maintenance of utilities (Telecommunications, Potable Water, Foul Water, Natural Gas, Power including Sub-stations) located across several SZC project sites. It includes management of feasibility, design, procurement, and construction of new and existing Utility assets together with disconnections, making safe and abandonment of decommissioned Utilities.

Principal Accountabilities

• Define the work scope to be delivered within the scope of work, necessary measures under the New Roads and Streetworks Act or other enabling agreement and the interfaces to the other elements of the programme.
• Develop and implement Utilities solutions in line with the overall programme execution plan (PEP), setting out how the programme of work will be managed, organised and executed.
• Interface with client’s requirements, building a strategy to manage and deliver best value, interfacing with utility companies to develop and agree preferred solutions and manage to a successful conclusion.
• Maintain effective communications with all stakeholders and executing the project or PEP strategies within their contract or package of work.
• Drive the delivery of utilities activities to ensure they are delivered safely, on time, to budget, meeting business, technical and sustainability requirements.
• Monitor and manage the progress of the programme - track progress against milestones, deadlines, budget and provide key stakeholders with reports on these matters.
• Anticipate, manage, and resolve utilities issues. Identify risks and facilitate the resolution of all issues raised, develop, and update the programme budget, and escalate any issues to the Utilities Senior Manager (Programme Manager or Director).
• Ensure level 4 schedules are developed and maintained for utilities work. Ensure such schedules are consistent with overall Project schedules (levels 1 and level 2).
• Review Utility Service Provider - Contractor supplied Level 4 and 16 week rolling schedules.
• Ensure the List of Deliverables (LOD) relating to the scope of utilities work to be delivered.
• Apply the principles of Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Apply the principles of Continuous Improvement.
• Ensure that lessons-learnt and knowledge-capture are practiced as business as usual.
• Interface with other programmes to ensure a high-level view of how utilities is progressing and to identify and adopt the use of best practice.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all project team members.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

Essential

• Demonstratable project management success on delivering Utilities (Power, Natural Gas, Portable Water, Foul Water, Telecommunications) solutions in respect to new connections, disconnections, diversions and protections within a technically complex and dynamic environment whilst ensuring high levels of safety, security and environmental.
• Working knowledge of service avoidance and Safe digging practice, in accordance with HSG 47.
• Demonstratable thorough understanding of utilities Builder Work in Connection (BWIC) and CDM Regulations.
• Comfortable in the co-ordination of multi-disciplinary teams made up of designers, contractors, internal and external stakeholders, local authorities and community liaison representatives.
• Ability in making sound decisions based on understanding of project criticality and best for project outcomes.
• Experience building lasting client relationships and leading strong, motivated teams.
• Hold a higher degree level education or project management qualification.

Desirable

• New Roads & Streetworks Act Qualification/Certification.
• Recognised Utilities Safety Card (EUSR etc) Accreditation.
• Recognised National Water Hygiene Accreditation.