At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-contract development of major public sector highway projects and manage early project lifecycle stages.
- Company: Dynamic infrastructure team based in Manchester, focused on impactful public sector projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while collaborating with diverse stakeholders and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector infrastructure projects and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This role is focused on the pre-contract development and governance of major public sector highway infrastructure schemes. Based in Manchester, you will lead projects through the early project lifecycle - from strategic outline case and option development through to procurement and contract award. You will work closely with public sector clients, technical consultants and statutory stakeholders to shape projects before they enter delivery.
The position sits within a growing regional infrastructure team delivering schemes across the North West and Yorkshire. You will take responsibility for programme development, governance, funding approvals, procurement strategy and consultant team management, ensuring projects are robustly defined and ready for delivery. Alongside project leadership, you will support senior leadership in client relationship management, framework delivery and identifying new opportunities across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the pre-contract development of major highway infrastructure schemes for public sector clients
- Manage projects through early lifecycle stages including feasibility, option development, business case and statutory approvals
- Develop and manage project programmes, governance structures and reporting frameworks
- Lead the procurement and appointment of multidisciplinary consultant teams
- Oversee the preparation of project briefs, scopes and deliverables across technical disciplines
- Develop and manage procurement strategies, funding submissions and business cases
- Coordinate engagement with statutory bodies and key stakeholders including National Highways, Network Rail and the Environment Agency
- Oversee the development of EIA processes, environmental statements and planning submissions
- Lead development of land and property strategies, including voluntary acquisition and compulsory purchase processes
- Chair project boards and technical meetings, ensuring projects adhere to public sector governance and assurance processes
- Support regional client relationship management and business development activity
Essential Experience
- Demonstrable experience delivering public sector highway or major infrastructure projects in pre-contract phases
- Strong knowledge of early project lifecycle stages including feasibility, option development and business case preparation
- Experience managing statutory processes such as planning, EIA and environmental approvals
- Experience leading the procurement and management of multidisciplinary consultant teams
- Experience developing project programmes, governance processes and reporting structures
- Familiarity with public sector funding and assurance processes
- Experience engaging with statutory stakeholders and infrastructure bodies
- Ability to develop and oversee strategic project documentation and client reporting
Desirable Experience
- Understanding of NEC forms of contract and infrastructure procurement routes
- Knowledge of cost management and risk management principles in infrastructure projects
- Experience with government or combined authority funding structures
- Understanding of land acquisition and compulsory purchase processes
- Awareness of public procurement regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and community consultation
Skills and Attributes
- Strong leadership and decision-making capability
- Excellent stakeholder management and client engagement skills
- Strategic thinker with strong programme and governance oversight
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams
- Collaborative approach to working across multidisciplinary teams
- Willingness to travel across the North West and Yorkshire as required
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Enhanced company pension scheme with salary exchange
- Private medical insurance
- Smart Health support – including 24/7 GP access, mental health support, fitness and nutrition advice (available to employees, partners, and dependants under 21)
- Company sick pay
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional loyalty days at 2, 5, and 10 years
- Paid volunteering days
- Life assurance
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Access to a benefits platform offering retail, restaurant, cinema and gym discounts
- Holiday buying/selling scheme (up to 5 days per year)
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders across the business
- Cycle to work scheme
- Regular internal training and access to a structured learning & development programme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and fertility treatment leave, plus paid time off for pregnancy loss
Locations
Associate Director in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Pegasus Search & Selection
As an Associate Director in our growing infrastructure team based in Manchester, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive salaries, enhanced benefits including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme, as well as ample opportunities for professional growth through structured training programmes. Join us to lead impactful public sector projects while enjoying a flexible working environment and a commitment to employee well-being.
Contact Details:
Pegasus Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work in public sector infrastructure. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, make sure to highlight your experience with pre-contract phases and stakeholder engagement. Share specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to, as this will help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills align with the Associate Director role and the projects we’re working on.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for leading those major highway infrastructure schemes.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with public sector highway projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Associate Director, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your decision-making capabilities and how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past. We love a good story about overcoming challenges!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. Highlight your experience in pre-contract phases and governance processes without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pegasus Search & Selection
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key projects you've worked on, especially those related to public sector highway infrastructure. Be ready to discuss your role in the pre-contract phases, how you managed stakeholder engagement, and any challenges you faced.
✨Master the Governance and Procurement Processes
Brush up on your knowledge of governance structures and procurement strategies relevant to major infrastructure projects. Be prepared to explain how you've developed project programmes and managed multidisciplinary teams, as this will show your capability in leading complex projects.
✨Engage with Statutory Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in engaging with statutory bodies like National Highways and the Environment Agency. Share specific examples of how you coordinated with these stakeholders to ensure project compliance and success, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Demonstrate your ability to think strategically by discussing how you've approached option development and business case preparation. Use examples that illustrate your decision-making process and how it led to successful project outcomes.
