Project Manager - Capital Projects and Infrastructure in London

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

• 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.