Construction Project Manager

Criterion Capital Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Criterion Capital Ltd. seeks a proactive Construction Project Manager to lead a commercial-to-hotel conversion from inception to completion.

You will coordinate with in-house design, pre-construction, asset management and operations teams to ensure cost, programme, quality and operational targets are met. The role requires hands-on leadership, a background in large-scale refurbishment, and strong commercial judgment to drive value while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in construction project management with medium to large-scale projects.
• Proven track record delivering commercial-to-hotel conversions from start to finish.
• Strong refurbishment/complex conversion experience with hotel/residential exposure.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial-to-hotel conversion projects from start through to practical completion, owning programme, budget, quality, risk and overall performance.
• Develop and maintain project execution plans, programmes, milestones and budgets with clear objectives and responsibilities.
• Own project financials, monitor expenditure, manage variations, control costs and identify opportunities to improve value without compromising quality.

Skills

Project management

Construction

Budget control

Contract management

MEP coordination

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Programme management

Building regs

Health & safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Procore

Job description

Criterion Capital is seeking a dynamic, commercially minded and experienced Construction Project Manager to lead the delivery of a commercial-to-hotel conversion from inception through to completion.

Working across a business that acts as developer, asset manager and owner/operator of long-term hospitality and residential assets, the Construction Project Manager will take full ownership of project delivery, working closely with in-house design, pre-construction, asset management and operations teams to deliver projects that meet the business’s objectives for cost, programme, quality and operational performance.

This is a hands-on role for someone who can drive projects forward, challenge conventional thinking, hold project teams accountable and take decisive action to overcome challenges throughout the construction process.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver commercial-to-hotel conversion projects from construction commencement through to practical completion, taking ownership of programme, budget, quality, risk and overall project performance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project execution plans, construction programmes, milestones and budgets, ensuring clear objectives, responsibilities and delivery targets are established and maintained.
• Take full commercial and financial ownership of projects, monitoring expenditure, managing variations, controlling costs and proactively identifying opportunities to improve value without compromising quality or project objectives.
• Lead procurement and contract management activities, including contractor appointments, commercial negotiations, contract administration and the management of change, ensuring the best possible terms and value for the business.
• Manage and challenge contractors, architects, engineers, specialist consultants and other construction professionals, holding teams accountable for delivering coordinated, buildable and high-quality solutions in line with the agreed brief.
• Closely monitor construction progress against the programme, proactively identifying delays, resolving issues and implementing recovery strategies to maintain momentum and achieve key milestones.
• Identify, assess and manage project risks, technical challenges and construction interfaces, taking ownership of decisions and driving practical solutions before issues impact cost, programme or quality.
• Work collaboratively with design, pre-construction, asset management and operations teams to ensure design intent, hotel operational requirements and business objectives are maintained throughout construction and reflected in the final asset.
• Manage statutory approvals, building regulations, inspections and other compliance requirements, ensuring all necessary permits and approvals are obtained and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Implement and enforce robust quality assurance and health and safety procedures, ensuring works are delivered to the required standards and a safe working environment is maintained.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, contractors and consultants, providing clear and regular reporting on progress, cost, programme, risks, decisions and key actions.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including contracts, change orders, progress reports, risk registers, inspection records and relevant statutory documentation.
• Lead, coordinate and hold project teams accountable for their responsibilities, ensuring resources are effectively allocated and all parties remain focused on delivering the project successfully through to completion.

About You

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in construction project management, with a proven track record of delivering medium to large-scale construction or refurbishment projects.
• Demonstrable experience managing projects from construction commencement through to completion, ideally including commercial-to-hotel conversions.
• Extensive refurbishment and existing-building experience, with a strong understanding of the technical, logistical and commercial challenges associated with complex conversion projects.
• Experience within the hotel and/or residential sectors is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, programme management, procurement, contract administration and commercial cost control.
• Good understanding of MEP systems, building services coordination and the technical requirements associated with hotel conversions.
• Proven ability to manage, challenge and hold contractors, consultants and design teams accountable for performance, quality, cost and programme.
• Strong commercial judgement, with experience managing project budgets, negotiating contracts, assessing variations and driving value for money.
• Good knowledge of building regulations, statutory approvals, construction compliance and health and safety requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to make decisions and resolve complex project challenges.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in construction and project management software, including MS Project, Primavera, Procore or similar.

The Person

We are looking for a hands-on, commercially astute and delivery-focused individual who takes ownership of outcomes, makes decisions and is accountable for delivering projects successfully.

You will:

• Take ownership: Lead from the front, take responsibility for project outcomes and drive delivery rather than simply coordinate activity.
• Challenge and hold people accountable: Question assumptions, challenge poor performance and hold contractors, consultants and internal teams to high standards.
• Be decisive and solutions-focused: Identify problems early, make informed decisions and implement practical solutions to keep projects moving.
• Apply strong commercial judgement: Balance cost, programme, quality and operational requirements to protect the business’s interests and maximise value.
• Drive programme and performance: Maintain pace, establish clear priorities and ensure teams deliver against agreed milestones and commitments.
• Collaborate across the business: Work confidently across construction, design, pre-construction, asset management and operations, ensuring everyone is aligned around the project objectives.
• Maintain high standards: Take pride in delivering well-executed, compliant and high-quality projects that meet the expectations of the business and its future operators and occupiers.
• Challenge conventional thinking: Bring initiative, sound judgement and a proactive mindset to overcome obstacles and continually improve the way projects are delivered.