Principal Project Manager

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in England is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead complex projects that shape communities and skylines. The role offers strategic influence, team leadership, and opportunities to mentor emerging talent while working in a flexible, people-focused environment.

Benefits

Career-defining projects

Opportunities for growth into leadership roles

Collaborative and down-to-earth culture

Flexibility and work-life balance

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering major capital projects in the buildings sector.
• Experience in JCT contract administration and strategic thinking.
• Track record of leading teams and influencing business performance.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for multiple major projects from feasibility to completion.
• Manage programmes and budgets, ensuring timely delivery.
• Represent Walker Sime at board-level discussions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Client-facing skills

Stakeholder management

Project management software skills

Leadership

Education

Degree qualified with professional accreditation (RICS, CIOB, APM or similar)

Job description

Job Description

Principal Project Manager

Location: Manchester (Hybrid)

Team: Project Management – Buildings Sector

Shape the Future, Lead with Purpose.

At Walker Sime, we’re building more than just buildings—we’re building futures. As a Principal Project Manager, you’ll take a strategic lead on our most significant and complex projects, helping to shape skylines, transform communities, and deliver lasting impact.

If you’re an established senior-level project leader looking to make a real mark with a people-focused consultancy, this is your moment.

Why This Role, Why Now?

We’re growing, and we need a Principal Project Manager with the confidence, experience, and strategic mindset to lead multi-million-pound developments from inception to handover. You’ll work directly alongside our Director of Project Management, contributing to business growth, team development, and project success.

This isn’t just another job—it’s a chance to drive forward landmark schemes, guide and mentor teams, and influence clients and stakeholders at the highest level.

Why Walker Sime?

A Principal Role with Real Influence

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our delivery strategy, overseeing multiple projects, and leading client relationships at a strategic level. At Walker Sime, your voice will be heard—and your ideas will shape how we grow.

Projects with Purpose

From major masterplans to complex health, residential, commercial, and local authority schemes—our portfolio is diverse, ambitious, and impactful. You’ll lead programmes that truly matter.

A Platform to Lead and Inspire

You’ll work closely with our leadership team, helping develop the wider project management offering, mentoring emerging talent, and playing a key role in bids and business development.

Still Hands-On, Always Empowered

This is a leadership role where you won’t lose sight of delivery. You’ll stay connected to the work that matters, while enjoying autonomy, senior support, and the flexibility to lead your way.

What You Bring

• Degree qualified with professional accreditation (RICS, CIOB, APM or similar).
• Proven experience delivering major capital projects in the buildings sector—particularly across residential, healthcare, commercial, and local authority sectors.
• Expertise in JCT contract administration (NEC experience also welcome).
• Strategic thinking combined with excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• A track record of leading teams, developing people, and influencing business performance.
• A proactive, digital-first mindset and strong project management software skills.

Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Project Manager, you’ll:

• Take full responsibility for multiple major projects, leading from feasibility through to completion.
• Manage programmes and budgets, ensuring delivery within financial and time constraints.
• Provide senior-level stakeholder engagement and represent Walker Sime at board-level discussions.
• Oversee consultant teams and supply chains, ensuring cohesion, efficiency, and excellence.
• Contribute to business strategy, resource planning, and client development.
• Mentor and guide more junior team members to build project management capability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and maintain quality standards throughout delivery.
• Lead bid submissions and support strategic business development initiatives.

What We Offer

• Career-defining projects with a consultancy that values people as much as performance.
• A senior voice in a growing, ambitious business with international backing.
• Opportunities to grow into regional leadership or sector head roles.
• A collaborative, down-to-earth culture that recognises and rewards talent.
• Flexibility, autonomy, and a healthy work-life balance.

We Value

Walker Sime is an inclusive employer. We celebrate and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.

Ready to Lead Big?

If you're ready to bring your leadership skills, strategic insight, and sector expertise to a role where you can truly make an impact, apply today and take your place among the inspiring talent at Walker Sime.