At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead critical infrastructure projects, managing delivery from design to handover.
- Company: Fast-growing engineering contractor in the critical infrastructure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and influence on project delivery.
- Other info: Confidential role with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in critical environments.
- Qualifications: 10 years in construction, strong M&E and CSA knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester (with UK & European project exposure)
Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
The opportunity
We're working exclusively with a specialist engineering contractor that has grown fast and quietly become one of the names people in critical infrastructure delivery talk about. Multiple live programmes across the UK and mainland Europe, more coming, and a leadership team that wants a Senior Project Manager in Manchester who can own delivery rather than just administer it.
Who this suits
You don't need to have built a data centre before. What matters more is where you've been cutting your teeth. We want to hear from Project Managers coming out of:
- Electrical contracting and building services
- MEP and M&E delivery
- CSA fit-out and complex internal environments
- Critical power, technical fit-out or specialist subcontracting
- Principal contractor backgrounds delivering multi-disciplined packages
If you've run packages or full projects where CSA and MEP interfaces actually mattered, where the programme was tight, the client was demanding and the environment didn't forgive mistakes, this role will feel familiar even if the sector label is new.
What you'll be doing
You'll take ownership of project or package delivery from a Principal or Main Contractor position, managing the full lifecycle: design coordination, procurement, subcontractor and supply chain management, commercial reporting, programme control and commissioning oversight. You'll be the person clients and their professional teams deal with directly, so this is a delivery and relationship role in equal measure, not a back-office one.
Day to day, expect to be:
- Driving programme, cost and quality across CSA and MEP works
- Leading procurement of plant, equipment and works packages alongside commercial teams
- Managing subcontractor and supply chain performance to keep packages on track
- Overseeing commissioning through to handover, with all documentation done properly
- Owning client relationships and communication, not just reporting upward internally
- Managing risk, early warnings and commercial exposure across NEC, JCT or FIDIC forms
What you'll bring
- Around 10 years in construction delivery, ideally as a Principal or Sub-Contractor
- Strong M&E and CSA interface knowledge, including commissioning
- Confidence managing programme, cost and supply chain simultaneously
- Comfortable working in demanding, live or critical environments where downtime isn't an option
- SMSTS, CSCS and a relevant H&S qualification
- HNC/HND or degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Why look at this now
This client is expanding, not consolidating. That means genuine progression for someone who wants to grow into bigger programmes rather than sit still in one. It also means the person who joins now has more influence over how things get built than someone joining once the structure is already set.
This is being run on a confidential, retained basis through Morson. Full details on the business, the programmes and the package are shared at the point of a conversation, not before.
Interested or want to know more before applying? Contact Ryan Dickenson, Morson Edge, for a confidential conversation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager 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 Morson Talent, 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 Senior Project Manager at Morson Talent.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager 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 Morson Talent
✨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!
