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- Tasks: Lead exciting highways projects, shaping Southwark's streets and engaging with local communities.
- Company: Southwark Council, committed to creating inclusive and well-designed public spaces.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, competitive pension, and excellent learning support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to tackling inequalities and improving local lives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex transport projects and leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to shape Southwark's streets and places for the future? Southwark Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Project Manager to lead a high‑profile programme of highways capital projects. This key role has responsibility for taking projects from inception through to completion of outline design, ensuring strong project governance, excellent design quality and meaningful engagement with our communities.
You will lead a multidisciplinary team and work closely with residents, councillors, contractors and partners to deliver schemes that support Southwark’s ambitions for safe, inclusive and well‑designed streets. We are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and manage a programme of highways capital projects from inception through to completion of outline design.
- Ensure projects are well‑governed, financially controlled and delivered to a high standard of design quality.
- Take a hands‑on approach to project and programme management, commissioning and managing external consultants and contractors.
- Work closely with local communities and residents’ groups, shaping proposals through meaningful engagement.
- Represent the Council in internal and external forums, providing expert advice on project development, contract specifications, tendering processes and contractor performance.
- Prepare and monitor budgets, delivering funding bids and ensuring robust financial and quality management systems are in place.
- Lead and performance‑manage a multidisciplinary team, support continuous improvement of the service.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Council and partner organisations to ensure projects deliver best value.
- Keep abreast of best practice in highways, street design, project management and community engagement.
- Help strengthen partnerships that support future funding opportunities and deputise for the Group Manager when required.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience managing complex highways or transport capital projects.
- Strong programme and financial management skills.
- Experience of leading and performance managing professional teams.
- A track record of working collaboratively with communities, stakeholders and partners.
- Confidence operating at senior level and representing the service in internal and external forums.
- A commitment to high‑quality design, inclusive engagement and continuous improvement.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition.
Benefits
- 29 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Excellent support for learning and development.
- Shift enhancements for out of hours and weekend working associated with this post.
This post is Full Time, 36 hours a week.
Recruitment Timeline
- Advert Closing Date: 13/05/2026
- Shortlisting Date: 15/05/2026
- Interview Date: 26/05/2026
Principal Engineering Project Manager employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineering Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Southwark Council or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Principal Project Manager gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your project management skills! During interviews, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects. Highlight your experience with community engagement and financial management – it’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework on Southwark! Familiarise yourself with their current projects and community initiatives. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineering Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Southwark: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for shaping Southwark's streets shine through. We want to see how your values align with our commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for the community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience managing complex highways or transport capital projects. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your programme and financial management skills, so don’t hold back!
Engagement is Key: Since this role involves working closely with communities, be sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully engaged with stakeholders. We love to see how you’ve communicated plans and resolved issues in previous projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Southwark.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key highways capital projects that Southwark Council is currently working on. Familiarise yourself with their objectives, challenges, and how they align with community needs. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to lead similar projects.
✨Engage with Community Insights
Since community engagement is crucial for this role, think about how you can showcase your experience in working with local communities. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully engaged stakeholders and resolved issues. This will highlight your commitment to inclusive design and collaboration.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Principal Project Manager, you'll be leading a multidisciplinary team. Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you motivate teams to achieve high-quality outcomes. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project delivery or team performance.
✨Prepare for Financial Management Questions
Given the importance of financial control in this role, brush up on your programme and financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous projects, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show your capability in ensuring projects are delivered within budget.