Role: Junior Site / Project Manager – Heat Networks / Utilities Location: East London Salary: £55-65K + Car Allowance (£6K) + Pension/Healthcare The Client: My client is a prominent and forward-thinking energy infrastructure provider in the United Kingdom, specializing in the design, delivery, and long-term operation of large-scale decentralized low-carbon utility networks. The company focuses heavily on urban district heating, cooling, and power solutions, managing critical assets that supply sustainable energy to thousands of residential and commercial properties. Renowned for its engineering excellence and commitment to the green transition, the business integrates cutting-edge technologies like industrial heat pumps and waste-heat recovery systems to drive urban centres toward a zero-carbon future. The Role: Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, you will support the day-to-day delivery of heat network and utility projects in East London. With around 2–4 years’ relevant experience, ideally gained in civil engineering, you will help coordinate site activities, monitor contractor progress and maintain quality, safety and project records. The role offers development towards greater project responsibility under senior guidance, with a particular focus on civils works and their interfaces with mechanical and electrical installations. Key Responsibilities Site delivery and contractor coordination * Support the Senior Project Manager with assigned work packages, including excavation, trenching, ducting, pipe installation interfaces, backfilling and reinstatement. * Liaise with contractor site teams to understand daily activities, access requirements and upcoming works, raising delivery concerns with the Senior Project Manager. * Track progress against agreed programmes, maintain site diaries and photographic records, and highlight delays, constraints and resource issues promptly. * Help coordinate information between contractors, designers, operations and internal stakeholders to support timely delivery and resolve routine queries. Quality, safety and civil engineering interfaces * Carry out site observations and assist with inspections of excavation, trench preparation, backfill, compaction and reinstatement against approved drawings and specifications. * Record defects, incomplete works and non-conformances, track agreed corrective actions and promptly report unsafe conditions through the project escalation process. * Help collate inspection records, test results, as-built information and construction and handover documentation. * Support checks that appropriate permits, RAMS and site controls are in place, developing your understanding of CDM duties and safe working around excavations and existing services under senior guidance. Commercial and project administration * Assist with basic NEC3/4 or equivalent contract administration, including maintaining Early Warning and change registers under the direction of the Senior Project Manager and commercial team. * Gather site measurements, photographs and progress evidence to support review of payment applications and changes; refer contractual or cost decisions to the authorised project lead. * Keep risk, issue, action and decision logs up to date and follow up agreed actions with relevant colleagues and contractors. Reporting and stakeholder coordination * Prepare site progress updates and accurate inputs to project trackers, KPI reports and coordination meetings. * Support communication with local authorities, highways teams, residents, customers and Principal Contractor teams, escalating sensitive matters to the Senior Project Manager. * Assist with planning tie-ins, shutdowns, operational interfaces and handover activities, with specialist work led by the appropriate competent teams. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 1. Assigned tasks and supported work packages progressed safely and to agreed deadlines, with emerging delays and cost concerns escalated early. 2. Site observations, quality checks and defects recorded accurately, with corrective actions tracked through to closure. 3. Change registers, payment-support information and project administration completed accurately and within agreed timescales. 4. Clear, professional communication with contractors, colleagues and local stakeholders. 5. Site diaries, photographs, trackers and handover records maintained accurately and on time. Technical skills and qualifications * HNC/HND, degree or equivalent practical experience in civil engineering or a related construction discipline preferred; candidates with other engineering backgrounds and relevant civils exposure will be considered. * Practical understanding of site construction activities, preferably excavation, drainage, utilities installation, backfilling and reinstatement, with the ability to read drawings and identify site constraints. * Basic awareness of CDM, RAMS, permits and QA/QC processes. Familiarity with NEC contracts is advantageous; further development will be supported through senior guidance. Experience and personal attributes * Around 2–4 years’ relevant experience in site engineering, assistant site management, junior project management, utilities delivery or similar construction roles. * A civil engineering bias is preferred, particularly experience of groundworks, utility networks, street works or infrastructure. Heat network experience is advantageous rather than essential. * Experience coordinating site information and working with contractors or project teams, with strong organisation, communication and attention to detail. * Proactive and keen to develop, with the judgement to recognise limits of authority and escalate issues. Relevant CSCS certification and SSSTS or SMSTS training are desirable; street works awareness would be advantageous
Junior Site/Project Manager employer: People Group Limited
As one of the UK's leading engineering firms, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our London-based team thrives on collaboration and innovation, offering exceptional benefits and a competitive package that reflects our commitment to delivering impactful projects in the healthcare sector. Join us to be part of a company that values your expertise and provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to vital public infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Site/Project Manager
✨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 People Group Limited, 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 Junior Site/Project Manager at People Group Limited.
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 People Group Limited
✨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!
