At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major defence construction project from planning to completion.
- Company: Established UK contractor known for delivering complex, high-quality projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a prestigious defence project in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex construction projects and strong leadership skills.
An established UK construction and engineering contractor is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join its team on one of the South West's most significant defence sector construction programmes. Our client has a long-established reputation for delivering complex, high-quality projects across the defence, healthcare, commercial, education, industrial and infrastructure sectors. Privately owned, the business is built on strong values, collaborative working and long-term partnerships with clients and supply chain partners. Known for delivering technically challenging schemes in highly regulated environments, the company combines engineering expertise with a commitment to safety, sustainability and quality. Employees benefit from genuine career development opportunities, a supportive culture and the chance to contribute to nationally significant projects that leave a lasting legacy.
Based in Bristol, you will play a key role in delivering a complex, high-value new build project within a secure defence environment. This is an outstanding opportunity to manage a technically challenging scheme while working alongside experienced professionals committed to excellence, safety and collaboration.
The Role
Reporting to the Project Director, you will be responsible for the successful planning, coordination and delivery of the project, ensuring it is completed safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of a major new build construction project from pre-construction through to completion and handover.
- Manage the planning, coordination and integration of building services alongside structural and architectural works.
- Ensure the project is delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with programme, budget and quality objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the client, consultants, subcontractors and wider project team.
- Oversee subcontractor performance, ensuring works are delivered to the required standards.
- Work closely with commercial and planning teams to monitor progress, manage risk and identify opportunities.
- Chair project meetings and provide regular progress updates to senior management and the client.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, project procedures and security protocols.
- Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on continuous improvement.
About You
You will be an experienced Project Manager with a successful track record of delivering complex construction projects for a principal contractor. We're particularly interested in candidates who bring experience in the management of complex mechanical and electrical packages. Equally, we welcome applications from Project Managers with a strong general construction background who have delivered major new build schemes and are keen to work on a prestigious defence project.
You will ideally have:
- Experience delivering major construction projects, preferably valued in excess of £50m.
- Mechanical & electrically-biased project experience (highly desirable but not essential) whilst also having excellent all-round construction knowledge.
- Experience within defence, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centres or other technically complex environments would be advantageous.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and programme management capability.
- A proactive approach to problem solving, risk management and decision making.
Essential Qualifications
- Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Building Services, Engineering or a related discipline.
- SMSTS.
- CSCS Manager Card.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- M&E management experience.
- NEC contract knowledge.
- Previous experience working within secure or highly regulated environments.
- Existing security clearance or the ability to obtain the appropriate level of clearance.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- The opportunity to lead a flagship defence construction project in Bristol.
- Long-term career progression with a leading UK contractor.
- Ongoing investment in training and professional development.
- A collaborative, supportive working environment delivering projects of national importance.
If you're an experienced Project Manager looking to take the next step in your career and contribute to the successful delivery of a major defence scheme, we'd love to hear from you. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible to satisfy the security requirements associated with working on a defence project.
O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Contact Details:
O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Charlton
✨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.
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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 O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton, 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 at O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Charlton
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 O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton
✨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!
