Construction Project Manager

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional development

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an experienced Construction Project Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of estate development and refurbishment projects. You will coordinate cross-disciplinary teams, manage budgets, and ensure delivery to safety and quality standards across the University estate.

The role requires a track record in construction project management within higher education or similar complex environments, with strong leadership, communication and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing construction projects in education or complex environments.
• Strong leadership, clear communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of construction project management best practice and related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple estate development, refurbishment and infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Manage scope, programme, budgets, quality, risks and governance for successful outcomes.
• Develop business cases, feasibility studies and project plans for investment decisions.
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and act as the primary client representative.
• Procure and manage consultants, contractors and suppliers in line with University procedures.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and monitor contractor performance and delivery.
• Oversee budgets, cash flow and financial reporting, seeking value enhancements.
• Support the Capital Programme delivery, escalating risks as needed.
• Mentor junior project managers and foster a high-performing team culture.
• Ensure CDM 2015 and health & safety compliance and university policies.
• Prepare progress updates and reports for senior stakeholders.
• Ensure handover with all documentation and lessons learned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Project management

Education

Relevant professional qualification or chartership

Job description

About the Role

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to join our Campus Development Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering a diverse portfolio of improvement projects across the University's estate, helping to create exceptional environments that support teaching, learning, research and student experience.

Working within a multi-disciplinary team, you will lead and manage a range of construction, refurbishment and estate improvement projects, typically ranging from £5k to £2m in value. You will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards, while minimising disruption to building users.

The successful candidate will work closely with academic faculties, professional services, consultants, contractors and key stakeholders, helping to shape and deliver projects that support the University's strategic objectives.

About You

We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of managing construction projects within higher education or similarly complex environments. You will be able to demonstrate strong leadership, clear communication, and effective stakeholder management skills. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of construction project management best practice and relevant legislation. We also expect applicants to hold a relevant professional qualification or be actively working towards chartership.

Please note the role is for a construction project manager and the desired candidate requires to have experience working in the construction industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of multiple estate development, refurbishment and infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Manage project scope, programme, budgets, quality, risks and governance to ensure successful outcomes.
• Develop business cases, feasibility studies and project plans to support investment decisions.
• Build and manage effective relationships with internal stakeholders, acting as the primary client representative throughout project lifecycles.
• Procure, appoint and manage consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers in line with University procedures.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and monitor contractor performance, compliance and delivery.
• Manage project budgets, cash flow and financial reporting, identifying opportunities for value and efficiency improvements.
• Support the delivery and monitoring of the Capital Programme, escalating risks and issues where required.
• Mentor and support junior project managers, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Ensure compliance with CDM 2015, health and safety legislation, statutory requirements and University policies.
• Prepare and present project progress updates and reports to senior stakeholders.
• Ensure successful project handover, including all relevant documentation, certification and lessons learned.

Please note Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place Friday 23 October (23/10/2026)

Why Join Us

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we're investing in a world class campus and looking for talented professionals to help bring that vision to life. You'll enjoy:

• A dynamic and inclusive working environment.
• Generous holiday entitlement and pension scheme.
• Opportunities for continued professional development.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Excellent rewards and benefits package.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.