Associate Director / Project Manager

Vertical Recruitment Limited; Ringway; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive salary and extensivebenefi

Career progression

Supportive, collaborative culture

Job summary

Vertical Recruitment Limited seeks an experienced Project Manager stepping into an Associate Director role to lead a £110m+ Blue Light masterplan across twelve buildings. You will shape delivery, manage multi-stakeholder engagement, and drive project governance within a respected consultancy renowned for collaboration and progression.

The role offers hybrid working, exposure to high-profile national work, and a platform to progress toward Directorship while ensuring delivery on time and within

Qualifications

• Experience delivering multi-building or large-scale construction/infrastructure projects.
• Solid working knowledge of NEC3/4 contracts and public sector programmes.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to guide teams, provide direction and mentor junior staff.
• Proactive, collaborative approach with strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Oversee programme delivery for six integrated building projects.
• Lead all stages from inception through to construction and handover.
• Manage stakeholder engagement across public sector clients, consultants, contractors and end-users.
• Ensure delivery is on time, within budget and aligned with quality expectations.
• Lead NEC3/4 and JCT contract administration, including change control and compensation events.
• Direct risk management, reporting and governance.
• Provide leadership and support to internal teams and junior PMs.
• Maintain compliance with legislation, regulations and health & safety requirements.

Skills

Public sector programme delivery

NEC3/4 contracts

Stakeholder management

Leadership and mentoring

Change control

Education

MRICS / MAPM / MCIOB (professional qualification)

Job description

A rare and career-defining opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Manager to step into an Associate Director position and lead one of the most significant public sector programmes currently underway - a £110 million+ Blue Light masterplan.

This flagship programme comprises twelve buildings delivered within one coordinated, campus-style redevelopment, including a blend of new builds, refurbishments, and modernisation schemes. The scale, complexity and community impact of this multi-phase framework make it a once-in-a-career opportunity for the right professional.

You'll be joining a respected, forward-thinking multidisciplinary consultancy known for its collaborative culture, innovative approach, and strong reputation across the public sector. For those with ambition, this role offers genuine progression and a platform to grow toward Directorship.

Why This Role Is Truly Standout

• Lead a major £110m+, multi-building public sector programme
• Shape the delivery of a high-profile redevelopment with regional impact
• Work within a consultancy that champions progression, innovation and autonomy
• Gain exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder environments with national relevance
• A defining project to elevate your CV and accelerate your career

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee programme delivery for all six integrated building projects
• Lead all stages from inception, business case and design through to construction and handover
• Manage stakeholder engagement across public sector clients, consultants, contractors and end-users
• Ensure delivery is on time, within budget and aligned with quality expectations
• Lead NEC3/4 and JCT contract administration, including change control and compensation events
• Direct risk management, mitigation strategies, reporting and governance
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to internal teams and junior PMs
• Maintain full compliance with legislation, regulations and health & safety requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong experience delivering multi-building or large-scale construction/infrastructure projects
• Solid working knowledge of NEC3/4 contracts
• Proven ability to manage complex public sector programmes
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Professional qualification such as MRICS, MAPM, MCIOB, or equivalent
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving skills and a proactive, collaborative approach
• The ambition to progress into a future Director-level role

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary + extensive benefits package
• Hybrid working options for flexibility and work-life balance
• The opportunity to lead one of the UK's most high-profile public sector programmes
• Career progression pathways across a broad and growing project portfolio
• A supportive, collaborative culture that values innovation and professional growth