HMP Project Manager in Manchester

HMP Project Manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 52000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sodexo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead diverse Facilities Management projects in secure environments from concept to completion.
  • Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to justice services and community impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, wellbeing support, learning opportunities, and enhanced leave policies.
  • Other info: Work across multiple prison sites with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while managing impactful projects in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Project Management, preferably in construction or facilities management.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.

Location: Multiple HM Prison Sites - HMP Forest Bank M27 8FB & HMP Altcourse L9 7LH

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: Up to £52,000 per annum plus Sodexo benefits

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Must be able to travel to both HMP Forest Bank M27 8FB & HMP Altcourse L9 7LH

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to lead the delivery of Facilities Management projects across our Justice Services portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to manage a diverse range of lifecycle, investment, sustainability, and small works projects within secure environments, ensuring successful delivery from concept through to completion. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing project risks, budgets, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and governance, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with contractual and operational requirements.

About the Role

As Project Manager, you will be responsible for managing multiple projects across HM Prison establishments and other Government contracts when required. You will work closely with operational teams, clients, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance. You will review project requests, assess feasibility and deliverability, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure robust project controls and governance processes are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage the full lifecycle of Facilities Management projects, including lifecycle replacement, investment, sustainability, and small works programmes.
  • Review project requests and assess feasibility, risks, costs, and delivery requirements.
  • Develop and manage project programmes, budgets, and resource plans.
  • Coordinate internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and stakeholders throughout project delivery.
  • Ensure all project documentation and governance requirements are maintained and updated in accordance with company procedures.
  • Manage project risks, identifying mitigation strategies and assigning ownership where appropriate.
  • Monitor project performance against agreed budgets, timescales, and quality standards.
  • Ensure compliance with all statutory, contractual, health and safety, and prison security requirements.
  • Produce detailed project reports and updates for senior management and clients.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, operational teams, and end users.
  • Support decision‑making through effective planning, financial control, and project governance.

What You’ll Bring

Essential Requirements

  • Demonstrable experience in Project Management or Operational Management.
  • Experience within construction, engineering, maintenance, or facilities management environments.
  • Project Management qualification such as PRINCE2 Practitioner or equivalent.
  • Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers, and internal delivery teams.
  • Strong financial management and budget control skills.
  • Excellent planning, organisational, and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Experience producing detailed reports with strong attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of project governance, risk management, and compliance requirements.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills.

Desirable Requirements

  • Experience working within HM Prisons, secure environments, or public sector estates.
  • Prison security clearance or the ability to obtain clearance.
  • Knowledge of lifecycle asset replacement programmes.
  • Experience delivering sustainability or capital investment projects.

What Success Looks Like

  • Delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget.
  • Managing project risks effectively and ensuring compliance obligations are met.
  • Maintaining robust governance and reporting processes throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Achieving high levels of stakeholder and client satisfaction.
  • Ensuring project programmes are effectively coordinated and controlled.
  • Supporting operational teams through informed decision‑making and effective project delivery.

Project Portfolio

  • Lifecycle investment programmes valued at approximately £35 million through to 2035.
  • Capital investment, sustainability, and small works projects.
  • Individual project values ranging from £5,000 to £1 million.
  • Approximately 12 projects managed per annum, depending on complexity and scale.

Benefits

  • Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support.
  • Extensive Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service.
  • Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
  • Pension Plan.
  • Opportunities for learning and development.
  • Bike to Work Scheme.
  • Enhanced benefits and leave policies.

HMP Project Manager in Manchester employer: Sodexo

Sodexo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment across multiple HM Prison sites, including HMP Forest Bank and HMP Altcourse. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, extensive learning and development opportunities, and a commitment to delivering impactful projects within the Justice Services portfolio, we empower our Project Managers to thrive in their roles while ensuring compliance and stakeholder satisfaction. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, efficiency, and personal growth in a meaningful sector.

Sodexo

Contact Details:

Sodexo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HMP Project Manager in Manchester

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 Sodexo, 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 HMP Project Manager at Sodexo.

We think you need these skills to ace HMP Project Manager in Manchester

Project Management
Facilities Management
Risk Management
Budget Control
Stakeholder Management
Governance Processes
Communication Skills

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 Sodexo

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!