Schemes Project Manager - Rail Systems in London

I'm seeking an experienced Schemes Project Manager 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 for the next 2+ years.

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.

• 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.

• 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 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.