At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project execution and manage NEC contract for a high-profile rail project.
- Company: Join a leading firm in the rail industry with exciting long-term projects.
- Benefits: Freelance role with potential ongoing work until 2033 and competitive pay.
- Other info: Diverse workplace that values equality and offers support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on major rail systems while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail project management and NEC3 contract administration required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
I'm seeking an experienced Schemes Project Manager with Signalling experience to join my client working on a large high profile contract in West London. This is a freelance position which will continue on an ongoing basis up until potentially 2033.
You will be the primary driver of project execution, sitting at the intersection of complex engineering and rigorous contract administration. We need a candidate who understands the unique rigors of client-side requirements (Network Rail/HS2) while having the "boots on the ground" commercial awareness of a Tier 1 / Principal Rail Civils contractor.
Duties
- As the Schemes Project Manager, you will report directly to the Head of PMO, taking full ownership of the day-to-day delivery and the health of the NEC contract.
- NEC3 Contract Administration: Lead the administration of contract mechanisms, with a heavy focus on managing Early Warnings (EW), Compensation Events (CE), and General Communications (GC).
- Project Execution: Act as the primary lead for overseeing project activities, ensuring all milestones are achieved on time, within budget, and in accordance with the Project Control Execution Plan.
- Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify and log project risks. You will work closely with the wider team to quantify impacts and escalate critical blockers to senior leadership.
- Periodic Reporting & Data Integrity: Own the narrative for periodic project reports. You will partner with Project Controls to utilize Dashboards and data-driven insights to provide a transparent view of project health.
- Governance & Audit: Ensure strict adherence to HS2 PMO standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining "one version of the truth" across all systems and ensuring the project is always audit-ready.
Requirements
- The successful candidate will demonstrate a blend of technical engineering understanding and high-level commercial project management expertise.
- Rail Industry Experience: Proven track record working both client-side (e.g., Network Rail) and for Tier 1 Rail Civils and Rail Systems contractors.
- NEC Expertise: Advanced knowledge of NEC3 contract administration is non-negotiable.
- Project Controls Proficiency: Demonstrable experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), including CPI / SPI (SVI) performance analysis and schedule integration.
- Technical Background: Ideally, a degree in Civil Engineering, Project Management, or a related infrastructure field.
- Software & Systems: Proficiency in project controls tools and the ability to interpret complex data sets into actionable briefings.
- Soft Skills: Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to manage upwards to a Head of PMO/Board level.
If you are interested in this role please apply with your CV or contact Morgan Butcher at Randstad CPE - London. Alternatively, if you know someone who may be interested we offer a £200 referral fee for successfully placed candidates.
Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.
Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems / Signalling employer: Randstad Construction and Property
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Dartford, Kent, where our team members are empowered to grow and develop their skills. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer competitive pay rates, flexible working hours, and opportunities for career progression within the vital infrastructure sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the M25 network while enjoying a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork.
Contact Details:
Randstad Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems / Signalling
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems / Signalling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Randstad Construction and Property.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Randstad Construction and Property know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Construction and Property
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Randstad Construction and Property. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
