Senior Construction Project Manager

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Reporting To: Director / Associate Director

WH Stephens Ltd (a Gardiner & Theobald Company) is one of Northern Ireland’s leading Chartered Quantity Surveying and Construction Cost Consultancy practices, with a long-established reputation for delivering expert commercial advice and exceptional client service across a diverse range of sectors.

As part of our continued growth and development, we work closely with Gardiner & Theobald (G&T), one of the world’s leading independent construction and property consultancies. This relationship provides our team with access to wider expertise, major national and international projects, and opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, while maintaining the local knowledge, agility and client-focused approach that has been the foundation of WH Stephens for decades.

Our relationship with Gardiner & Theobald also provides significant opportunities for professional development. Through access to established learning programmes, technical knowledge-sharing networks, sector specialists and industry-leading best practice, our team benefits from a broader platform for personal and professional growth. Whether working towards chartership, developing specialist expertise or advancing into leadership roles, colleagues are supported by a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

At WH Stephens, we combine the benefits of a respected local consultancy with the reach and resources that come from our close association with Gardiner & Theobald. Our people enjoy meaningful responsibility, direct client engagement, and the opportunity to work on some of the region’s most exciting construction and infrastructure projects.

The Opportunity

Due to continued growth in our workload across Northern Ireland and the wider island of Ireland, we are seeking an ambitious Senior Construction Project Manager to join our Belfast office and support the growth of the business and continued delivery of high level of service to our diverse Client base.

Our Project Management teams work across a multitude of sectors, offering you the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting and stimulating projects with no sector boundaries, while our focus on training and development creates the perfect environment in which to progress your career.

Working within a dedicated and dynamic team and reporting directly to our Belfast based Directors, this is an exciting opportunity to lead projects from inception to completion and act as a trusted advisor to clients across a range of sectors, including:

• Commercial
• Education
• Residential
• Infrastructure
• Public Sector Development
• Regeneration and Mixed-Use Schemes

The ideal candidate will be experienced and knowledgeable in the day-to-day delivery of project management services, with the ability to work autonomously and drive project standards to a world class level and managing the operational aspects of projects, including identifying necessary resources, assigning individual responsibilities and delivery of work elements.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of safely delivering projects to the satisfaction of their clients. They will also use their experience to develop further business opportunities from their established existing networks.

The candidate selected will be one who aims to grow into a senior leadership position and who thrives on challenges and in a client facing role, being both eager to learn and develop whilst also assisting to drive our position as a leader in the industry

You will also have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the wider Gardiner & Theobald network, supporting projects of regional, national and international significance.

About You

• Degree qualified in Construction Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Surveying or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body preferred (MRICS, MAPM, MCIOB, NEC4PM or equivalent), but not essential.
• Proven experience delivering construction and property projects within a consultancy, client-side or contractor environment.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and project governance frameworks.
• Experience managing projects through all design, procurement, construction and handover stages.
• Knowledge of construction contracts including NEC, JCT or similar forms.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Excellent programme management, risk management and reporting skills.
• Commercially aware with an understanding of cost, risk and value management principles.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to contribute to business growth initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills and experience supporting the development of junior team members.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software platforms.
• Demonstrable experience in business development, client relationship management and fee management.

Role Responsibilities

The successful candidate will undertake a range of duties including:

• Acting as Project Manager / Senior Project Manager and primary client contact on a range of projects.
• Leading projects from inception through feasibility, design, procurement, construction and completion.
• Establishing and managing project governance structures.
• Developing and maintaining project programmes and delivery strategies.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams and project stakeholders.
• Monitoring project performance against scope, programme, quality and budget objectives.
• Managing project risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Overseeing procurement processes and consultant/contractor appointments.
• Managing change control procedures and providing strategic advice to clients.
• Chairing project meetings and preparing project reports.
• Supporting contract administration activities where required.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory approvals, health and safety requirements and project governance procedures.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Supporting the delivery of high-quality consultancy services across multiple projects and sectors.
• Mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Contributing to business development initiatives and the development of long-term client relationships.

Why Join WH Stephens?

At WH Stephens, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset. We offer an environment where individuals are trusted, supported and encouraged to develop their careers.

At WH Stephens and G&T, people are central to our mission. Rewarding individuals based on their unique abilities, talent and hard work, we believe in the quality of experiences and investing in a collaborative culture where all can excel. We support individuals who wish to progress their career with WHS / G&T through our Management Development Programme.

Collaboration, innovation, and support are at the core of everything we do. You will be joining a diverse team led by one of WH Stephens Directors. Our Director-led model allows us to adopt bespoke approaches, both in the service we offer to clients and in the development opportunities we offer our people.

Within your team you will be given clear direction and positive encouragement at every turn, whilst our commitment to your career development and lifelong learning programmes ensures you have the support, as well as the tools to thrive.

We define our success by the value we create for our clients, the fulfilling careers we build for our people and our contribution to the communities we work in. Our own long-term business performance aligns profit with purpose and the legacy we leave behind.

What You Can Expect

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including private healthcare
• Career progression opportunity to Associate Director level and potentially Director level
• Exposure to a diverse range of projects and clients.
• Opportunities to work alongside and collaborate with Gardiner & Theobald’s wider specialist teams.
• Direct access to senior management.
• Professional membership support.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and social activities.
• Access to the wider Gardiner & Theobald professional network, training initiatives, technical expertise and mentoring opportunities, supporting both professional accreditation and long-term career development.

Professional Development & Career Growth

We are committed to investing in our people through structured professional development, APC support and ongoing training. Through our close relationship with Gardiner & Theobald, employees have access to a wider network of experienced professionals, technical forums, specialist sector knowledge, thought leadership and learning resources. This provides unique opportunities to broaden skills, expand industry knowledge and accelerate career progression within a highly respected consultancy environment.

Whether you are an experienced Cost Manager seeking your next challenge, or a developing professional working towards chartership, WH Stephens provides the support, exposure and opportunities needed to help you achieve your career ambitions.

Our Culture

We are committed to fostering an environment where people feel valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our business and enable us to deliver better outcomes for our clients and communities.

Our culture is built on professionalism, integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement. We are proud of our reputation and are committed to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do.

Join WH Stephens and become part of a successful, growing consultancy that combines trusted local expertise with the wider opportunities, professional development and collaborative strength offered through our relationship with Gardiner & Theobald.