Construction Project Manager in Swindon

UK Defence Academy, Swindon, SN6 8LA – 2 year fixed term contract – Permanent, Full time, Mon‑Thurs 8am‑4pm, Fri 8am‑3:30pm – Up to £60,000 depending on experience.

Serco have an exciting new role for a Client Side Construction Project Manager in our Estates department. Serco is responsible under the DACI and PFI contracts for delivering planned, reactive, SV/ARC variation projects as well as AMP Estates projects across the Defence Academy site. As a Client‑Side Project Manager you will be accountable for the delivery of projects to ensure Serco meets its contractual requirements, on time, on budget and to an auditable standard.

The role requires a thorough understanding of the wider FM landscape and experience of managing major construction projects from inception to completion, with values ranging from £2M to £30M.

• Lead the delivery of full life‑cycle projects in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
• Manage multi‑disciplinary project teams to meet objectives on time, within scope and budget.
• Create and maintain robust business cases, plans, budgets and governance structures.
• Actively manage RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) and drive timely escalation.
• Ensure compliance with governance and assurance processes across the delivery life‑cycle.
• Work with the customer to gain a clear understanding of their business requirements and identify solutions to meet these needs, ensuring they are captured as an agreed statement of requirements.
• Manage PPM and reactive work for subcontractor activities, coordinate service variation delivery and asset replacement projects, and support existing Project Managers with more complex capital projects.
• Ensure CAFM Explorer system is updated in a timely manner to reflect PPM, remedial jobs and asset data changes.
• Update Service Variations systems with accurate project cost, programme and status information and upload supporting documentation.
• Accountably manage and file all project/works documentation using SharePoint, CAFM and the Technical Library.
• Manage the delivery of works/projects from feasibility through to post‑occupancy, following the RIBA Plan of Works and Serco’s formal project management processes, including governance and change control.
• Ensure works/projects are delivered in line with MOD processes, building and MOD standards, obtaining relevant approvals and meeting Serco’s buildability and maintenance requirements.
• Follow Serco’s procurement rules and regulations for appointment of contractors and consultants, and administer contracts and cost management.
• Take personal responsibility for complying with Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Quality standards, ensuring all works are delivered in line with CDM 2015 and Contractor Control processes.
• Carry out quality audits on site while contractors are working, ensuring safety and compliance with risk assessments and method statements. Conduct regular site inspections and take accountability of H&S matters in relation to all works delivery.
• Chair internal and external project meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• Work productively with other Serco personnel, ensuring that your actions and behaviour do not adversely affect their productivity or attitude.
• Support business and customer objectives of delivering value for money in all circumstances.

• ONC/HNC/HND in Construction, Build, Architecture or Building Services Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical).
• Project Management skills and working knowledge of Building Engineering.
• Experience of services projects with a contractor.
• Management level qualification in H&S and Environment (e.g. SMSTS, IOSH).
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Developed IT skills (e.g. Excel, Word, CAFM, Teams, SharePoint).
• Demonstrable experience supervising staff in Project Management, including: Leading an operational team to achieve KPIs, Stakeholder management, Management of costs, Planning, directing and controlling activities.
• Experience supervising site operations, including: Management of Safe Systems of Work, Planning, directing and controlling activities, Agreeing scope and priorities of work, Proactive performance management.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• A proven track record in leading large complex FM Estates projects with strong management and leadership skills.
• Experience delivering space utilisation estates development plans and property standards (British Standards, SFG20, BSRIA, etc.).
• Experience leading procurement and supply chain reviews.

• Free, secure onsite parking.
• Opportunities to join many sports and activity clubs with heavily subsidised subscription costs.
• Gym membership – site boasts two fully equipped gymnasiums.
• 18‑hole golf course – annual membership circa £375.
• Fully equipped riding stances, with the opportunity for lessons.
• Other sporting facilities include tennis courts, astro‑turf football pitches and more.
• Pension: up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Training and development: over 1,100 internal courses, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities and a focus on internal progression.
• Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans and 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres.
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers on food, clothing, entertainment and travel.
• ShareSave scheme: discount on Serco shares at the end of your savings period.
• Employee networks providing support, networking and community opportunities.
• Charity support: paid volunteering day each year and payroll giving scheme to donate to a chosen charity tax free.

MoD Security Clearance is required. Employees are required to hold BPSS/SC level clearance, and Serco will support the SC process. Generally, a UK resident for the last five consecutive years is required.