Senior Manager, Project Management in London

We are seeking a highly motivated and appropriately experienced Project Manager to oversee and manage heritage-focused built environment projects. The ideal candidate will have a passion for preserving and improving historic structures and promoting cultural and built heritage whilst demonstrating expertise in construction project management and a solid understanding of architectural conservation principles.

Location – Hybrid (Home-based with travel to client sites across the UK)

Renumeration – Circa £50k

Part-time or Job-Share arrangements will be considered.

About Oculus Management:

Oculus Management provides leadership, direction, and specialist expertise to help organisations maximise the use of their built environment in delivering their mission. We work with a wide range of partners, including Arts & Cultural Institutions, Public Sector Bodies, Private Commercial Companies, Places of Worship, and other complex organisations, aligning their strategic objectives with the effective operation and development of their estates. With a strong focus on estates strategy, project leadership, and delivery, we manage projects from concept to completion, ensuring the conservation and care of historic buildings while implementing interventions to keep them relevant and sustainable for the future.

Role Overview:

Our projects are often delivered within live and operational environments, requiring careful planning, stakeholder coordination, and a proactive approach to minimising disruption. We support projects across the full RIBA Plan of Work, and we are frequently appointed at various stages of a project lifecycle, depending on client requirements, and therefore our teams must be adaptable and capable of quickly understanding project status, risks, and delivery priorities. This provides an excellent opportunity for team members to gain experience across multiple RIBA stages, from early design and coordination through to construction delivery and close-out, often simultaneously across different projects.

As a Project Manager at Oculus Management, you will collaborate with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams, ensuring seamless communication, efficient execution, and strategic alignment with project goals. This is a hybrid role, with a mix of remote work and on-site presence as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of projects across various sectors.
• Define project objectives, scope, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with clients and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, ensuring milestones are met and risks are managed proactively.
• Ensure project budgets are adhered to, monitoring costs and financial reporting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing updates and managing expectations.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead client and project team meetings, facilitating decision-making and problem-solving.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimise potential disruptions.
• Ensure projects comply with relevant planning, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain high-quality standards across all project activities, including conservation, sustainability, and health & safety considerations.
• Manage and coordinate project teams, ensuring alignment with project goals and deadlines.
• Oversee procurement processes, including tendering, contract management, and supplier engagement.
• Oversee the administration of professional services and works contracts (e.g. JCT and NEC3/4).
• Optimise the allocation of resources to maximise efficiency and project success.
• Prepare detailed reports on project progress, financials, and risks for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Analyse project outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes and methodologies.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practices within the organisation.

Skills & Experience Required:

Essential:

• Proven experience in project management within the construction, ideally in heritage, estates, or cultural sectors.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Sound understanding of budget management, financial planning, and contract administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Trello).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to risk management.

Desirable:

• Experience working on heritage buildings, conservation of building fabric, and/or listed and protected structures.
• Experience working in/with organisations in the arts and cultural sector e.g. around collections, artistic programmes, exhibitions, live performances etc.
• Familiarity with procurement and tendering processes in construction or estates management.
• Understanding of statutory compliance, planning regulations, and sustainability practices.
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, CIOB, RIBA, IHBC) or equivalent experience.

Why Join Us?

• Work on meaningful and high-impact projects that shape and preserve historic and cultural spaces.
• Engage with diverse clients and industries, gaining exposure to complex and rewarding challenges.
• Be part of a collaborative and expert team, with opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Benefit from a hybrid working model, supporting work-life balance and flexibility for a purpose.