At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects across UK attractions, enhancing guest experiences and infrastructure.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a top facilities management company with a strong commitment to values.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, professional development, and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Other info: Regular travel and collaboration with various stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic attractions while working with a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, construction, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About The Company
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering. Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.
About The Role
Please note: The role requires regular travel across Merlin attractions. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital investment, infrastructure, engineering, facilities, and estate improvement projects across Merlin's UK attractions. This is a high-profile, multi-site role responsible for managing projects ranging from £20,000 to £1 million, including ride enhancements, infrastructure upgrades, building refurbishments, facilities improvements, estate developments, and guest experience initiatives. You will oversee the complete project lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover, ensuring every project is delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Working within a fast-paced operational environment, you will collaborate with technical teams, resort operations, facilities management, engineers, consultants, contractors, and senior stakeholders to deliver projects that enhance safety, reliability, operational performance, and guest satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Lead and manage multiple concurrent capital works, construction, engineering, facilities management and infrastructure projects across multiple UK sites.
- Manage projects from initial scope development through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and final handover.
- Develop and maintain project plans, programmes, schedules, budgets, risk registers, and resource plans.
- Coordinate project teams and ensure effective communication between all stakeholders.
- Drive project delivery to achieve programme, quality, operational, and business objectives.
- Construction & Contractor Management
- Manage tendering processes, procurement activities, supplier selection, contract administration, and contractor performance.
- Monitor contractor safety, quality, productivity, and programme delivery.
- Conduct site inspections, progress reviews, snagging activities, and quality assessments.
- Ensure projects are delivered to specification and in accordance with industry best practice.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, Health & Safety legislation, company policies, and site procedures.
- Review and approve Construction Phase Plans, RAMS, permits, and project documentation.
- Lead contractor inductions, safety briefings, audits, and inspections.
- Promote a strong safety culture across all projects and stakeholders.
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Manage project budgets ranging from £20k–£1m.
- Monitor costs, forecasts, variations, and project expenditure.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and value engineering while maintaining safety and quality standards.
- Provide regular financial and project performance reporting to the Technical Director.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build effective relationships with operational teams, technical departments, contractors, consultants, and senior leaders.
- Chair project meetings and provide regular updates on progress, risks, issues, and mitigation plans.
- Ensure minimal disruption to operational sites and guest experiences during project execution.
- Project Completion & Handover
- Manage testing, commissioning, validation, and project closeout activities.
- Ensure all asset information, certifications, O&M manuals, and handover documentation are completed and recorded.
- Support operational teams during project transition and implementation.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience as a Project Manager, Construction Project Manager, Engineering Project Manager, Estates Project Manager, Facilities Project Manager, Capital Projects Manager, or Infrastructure Project Manager.
- Demonstrable experience delivering multiple projects simultaneously within construction, engineering, facilities management, estates, asset management, or infrastructure environments.
- Strong practical knowledge of CDM 2015 Regulations, contractor management, and construction safety.
- Experience managing projects valued between £20,000 and £1 million.
- Experience working on live operational sites with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong budget management, cost control, programme management, and risk management experience.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH General Certificate, or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively.
Desirable
- APM, PRINCE2, PMP, or equivalent recognised Project Management qualification.
- Background in construction, engineering, facilities management, building services, infrastructure, asset management, or estates management.
- Experience within theme parks, visitor attractions, hospitality, leisure, retail, entertainment venues, resorts, property, or multi-site operational environments.
- Knowledge of asset lifecycle management and capital investment programmes.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available. We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Project Manager - Capital Projects and Infrastructure employer: Manchester Arndale
OCS UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture rooted in Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. With extensive opportunities for professional development and career progression, particularly in the exciting field of capital projects and infrastructure across Merlin attractions, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values innovation and collaboration. The company's commitment to safety and quality ensures that every project not only enhances guest experiences but also fosters a strong sense of community among its 50,000+ colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Capital Projects and Infrastructure
✨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 Manchester Arndale, 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 - Capital Projects and Infrastructure at Manchester Arndale.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Capital Projects and Infrastructure
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 Manchester Arndale
✨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!
