Associate Director - Project Management - Manchester - Residential Sector

Walker Sime; Stretford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A collaborative consultancy firm based in Manchester is seeking an Associate Director to lead major residential projects. This role offers an opportunity for significant professional growth, managing high-profile developments while mentoring a talented team. The ideal candidate will have extensive project management experience, strong leadership skills, and a collaborative approach. The position provides a hybrid working model, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Career progression opportunities

Inclusive workplace

People-first culture

Qualifications

• Extensive residential project management experience in delivering large, complex developments.
• Proven leadership skills to manage teams and inspire confidence in clients.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract administration skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading the end-to-end delivery of major residential projects.
• Acting as the key client interface throughout all project phases.
• Overseeing feasibility studies, procurement strategies, budgets, and contracts.
• Managing multi-disciplinary consultant teams and complex stakeholder groups.
• Mentoring and developing colleagues in the Manchester Buildings team.
• Driving business development activities and strengthening client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Commercial acumen

Client management

Collaboration

Education

Degree in relevant discipline with professional membership (RICS, CIOB, APM)

Tools

JCT

NEC

Job description

Overview

Associate Director – Project Management Team - Residential Sector
Location: Manchester (Hybrid)

Shape the Skyline. Lead Major Residential Projects. At Walker Sime, we’re not just another consultancy. We’re a people-focused SME with the strength of international backing, and we’re at the heart of some of the North West’s most exciting projects. We’re looking for an Associate Director to join our Manchester team and lead delivery on major residential schemes.

Why This Role?

Step Into Senior Leadership
This is more than just a job—it’s your opportunity to play a central role in the growth of our Real Estate team. You’ll have the autonomy to shape project delivery, mentor and inspire a talented team, and strengthen our reputation as a trusted partner in the residential sector.

Lead Large-Scale Residential Projects

You’ll take charge of high-profile, multi-million-pound residential schemes that transform communities and shape the future of Manchester and beyond. From enabling works and infrastructure to full-scale developments, your expertise will ensure successful outcomes at every stage.

A Culture That Backs You

We combine the agility of an SME with the stability of global investment. You’ll be part of a collaborative culture where your voice matters, your ideas are backed, and your progression is a genuine priority.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the end-to-end delivery of major residential projects, from pre-planning through to handover.
• Acting as the key client interface—providing confidence, clarity, and leadership across all phases.
• Overseeing feasibility studies, procurement strategies, budgets, and contracts (JCT essential, NEC desirable).
• Managing multi-disciplinary consultant teams and complex stakeholder groups.
• Mentoring, developing, and line-managing colleagues within the Manchester Buildings team.
• Driving business development activity—contributing to bids, proposals, and strengthening client relationships.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in a relevant discipline plus professional membership (RICS, CIOB, APM or equivalent).
• Extensive residential project management experience—delivering large, complex developments.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and inspire confidence in clients.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract administration skills (JCT essential, NEC advantageous).
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and ability to thrive in a client-facing consultancy role.
• Based in Manchester, with flexibility to travel to project sites.

Why Walker Sime?

• Exciting, career-defining large residential projects.
• A people-first culture where you’re genuinely valued.
• Real progression opportunities into Director level and beyond.
• Hybrid working and a healthy work-life balance.
• Backing of a global partner with the freedom of an SME.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—we welcome and support people from all backgrounds, creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, empowered, and able to thrive.

Ready to Lead the Way?

If you’re ready to take your career to Associate Director level, with the chance to lead landmark residential schemes across Manchester and the North West, we’d love to hear from you.