At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-profile bus infrastructure project and improve local transport systems.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Cumberland Council focused on sustainable transport.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £340 per day, hybrid working, and long-term contract until December 2026.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive public sector environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local transport while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority projects and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
Project Manager (Local Authority and Bus Infrastructure) - Carlisle - Inside IR35
Our client is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a high-profile, engineering-focused Bus Infrastructure project, seconded into Cumberland Council.
Based in Carlisle on a contract running to December 2026, you'll join our client's team delivering sustainable transport and highways improvements within a complex local authority setting, working on a hybrid basis (two days onsite, three days remote) inside IR35 at £340 per day.
Key Skills & Expertise
Local Authority Experience - Confident operating within council structures, policies, and procedures.
Bus Infrastructure - Proven track record delivering engineering-focused transport or bus-related infrastructure projects.
Highways Projects - Ability to coordinate with highways teams and integrate bus schemes with wider road networks.
Procurement & Governance - Skilled in navigating public sector procurement processes and governance frameworks.
Contractor Management - Hands-on management of contractors, ensuring performance, compliance, and quality delivery.
Stakeholder Engagement - Strong communication skills to engage public and private sector partners and internal teams.
Contract Management - Experience overseeing contracts, deliverables, and risk within public sector constraints.
Process Improvement & Compliance - Able to refine processes and ensure regulatory and internal compliance.
Infrastructure Delivery & Project Delivery - End-to-end delivery of complex engineering and infrastructure schemes.
Public Sector Processes - Comfortable working within public sector rules, governance, and reporting requirements.
Hybrid Working - Effective at managing stakeholders and teams across onsite and remote working environments.
Interested?
If you're a process-driven leader ready to shape the future of local transport infrastructure, please reply to this email with your CV to discuss this opportunity with our client.
Please click to find out more about our Key Information Documents.
Please note that the documents provided contain generic information.
If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.
To find out more about Progressive please visit
Progressive Recruitment, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales
Project Manager (Local Authority and Bus Infrastructure) in Carlisle employer: Progressive Recruitment
As a leading employer in the field of flame and combustion systems, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and innovation. Our Ellesmere Port location offers competitive market rates, along with opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for skilled Technical Project Managers to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Local Authority and Bus Infrastructure) in Carlisle
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Progressive Recruitment.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Progressive Recruitment appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Local Authority and Bus Infrastructure) in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Progressive Recruitment know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Progressive Recruitment is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progressive Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
