At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex custodial construction projects from preconstruction to successful delivery.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised for its commitment to gender equality and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in high-profile projects that transform lives and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in custodial construction and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.
We're looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our growing Willmott Dixon Interiors team, working across preconstruction and operational delivery on a number of prospective custodial projects based in and around Sussex and the surrounding region.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a construction professional with genuine Prisons, HMP, Ministry of Justice or custodial sector experience to play a leading role on some of our most complex and highest-profile upcoming projects.
You'll bring a clear understanding of the security, compliance and operational complexities that set custodial construction apart from other sectors.
Initially, you'll be involved in the complex preconstruction elements of these projects, working closely with our bid, design and commercial teams to shape winning strategies and set the projects up for successful delivery.
As projects move to site, you'll transition into an operational delivery role, acting as Operations Planning & Delivery Lead and overseeing day-to-day site delivery through to successful, defect-free handover.
This role offers the right candidate genuine scope to grow within the business, with a clear route toward more senior delivery leadership as our custodial project pipeline develops.
Key Responsibilities
- Preconstruction & Work Winning
- Support and help lead preconstruction strategy for custodial project and framework opportunities.
- Contribute to first- and second-stage tendering through to contract close, including PCSA activity.
- Work with planners, estimators, design managers and MEP specialists to develop commercially robust, high-quality bids.
- Help ensure bids reflect the specific security, compliance and operational requirements of custodial environments.
- Operational Planning & Site Delivery
- Take full accountability for the delivery programme, understanding the build process and sequencing on live custodial sites.
- Identify, plan for and respond to project risks throughout the delivery lifecycle, including those specific to secure/custodial environments.
- Lead and motivate the project team and supply chain partners to deliver safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards.
- Act as Operations Planning & Delivery Lead on site, ensuring a smooth transition from preconstruction into live delivery.
- Maintain HSE standards throughout and ensure a clean, defect-free project handover, including complete O&M documentation.
- Commercial, Contractual & Stakeholder Management
- Fully understand the project's contractual and commercial position, including agreements made during preconstruction.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, consultants and regulatory bodies, including Ministry of Justice / HMPPS stakeholders.
- Provide clear, regular reporting to senior leadership and support governance approvals.
- Support commercial negotiations and contribute to reducing cost of error and improving delivery certainty.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrable experience working on Prisons, HMP, Ministry of Justice or other custodial construction projects.
- A clear understanding of the complexities, compliance requirements and operational sensitivities involved in delivering custodial sector projects.
- Proven experience in construction project management, ideally spanning both preconstruction and operational delivery...
Within Construction, fit-out, interiors or refurbishment markets.
- Strong stakeholder management and leadership capability, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and supply chain partners.
- Existing security clearance, or the ability to obtain the vetting required to work on custodial/Mo J sites.
- Sound commercial and contractual understanding, with the ability to manage risk effectively.
- Excellent communication, reporting and presentation skills.
Desirable Skills
- Public sector framework knowledge and understanding (SCAPE, CCS, Procurement Hub etc.).
- PRINCE2, APM, MCIOB, MRICS or equivalent qualification.
About Us
With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations.
Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.
Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 \"Big\" Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025.
Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.
Senior Project Manager in Slough employer: Willmott Dixon Interiors
Willmott Dixon Interiors is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a focus on employee growth, we offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that our team members thrive while contributing to exciting projects. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your creativity and expertise in proposals will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Slough
✨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 Willmott Dixon Interiors, 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 Senior Project Manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Slough
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 Willmott Dixon Interiors
✨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!
