Principal Project Manager

Blue Arrow; Etwall CP; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Principal Project Manager to oversee and deliver a diverse range of construction projects. The ideal candidate will have significant experience managing complex projects, a solid understanding of construction regulations, and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. This role offers an opportunity for autonomy and influence at a senior level, as well as a varied workload across multiple project types. The position involves ensuring projects meet required standards, timelines, and budgets.

Benefits

Autonomy and influence at a senior level

Opportunities for strategic input

Leadership responsibility

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing high-value or complex construction projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and budget management capability.
• Confident leading multi-disciplinary teams and external consultants.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete lifecycle of multiple construction projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered to cost, quality, safety, and timelines.
• Lead feasibility work, design coordination, and procurement.

Skills

Project management methodologies

Budget management

Team leadership

Risk assessment

Construction regulations knowledge

Education

Professional qualifications in construction, surveying, engineering, architecture or project management

Job description

Job Description

Principal Project Manager

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 5pm

Contract: Fixed term until end of December 2026, following a successful first 3 months

Salary: Circa £350.00 per day

Are you an experienced project leader with a strong background in construction and property development? We are seeking a Principal Project Manager on behalf of our client to take responsibility for delivering a diverse range of building projects, from new construction to refurbishment, maintenance, and major alterations.

This senior role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys leading multi‑disciplinary teams, and has the confidence to make high‑level decisions that shape the success of complex projects.

About the Role

As a Principal Project Manager, you will oversee the complete lifecycle of multiple construction and building‑related projects. You will lead feasibility work, design coordination, procurement, mobilisation, construction oversight, and handover activities, ensuring that all projects meet required standards, timelines, and budgets.

You’ll provide expert guidance on technical, financial, regulatory and safety matters, while ensuring effective communication between all parties involved.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Delivery

• Lead and coordinate multi‑disciplinary internal and external teams throughout all project phases.
• Ensure projects are delivered to cost, quality, safety and time requirements.
• Apply professional project management methodologies across all assigned projects.
• Act as Principal Designer when required and ensure full compliance with CDM regulations.
• Produce specifications, tender documents and oversee the procurement cycle.

Financial & Resource Management

• Prepare, manage and monitor individual project budgets.
• Forecast and control expenditure, ensuring value for money.
• Review invoices, valuations, cost plans and financial reports.
• Take a proactive role in securing new work streams and developing business opportunities.

Quality, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure all work meets statutory, regulatory and best‑practice standards.
• Review designs, surveys, specifications and contractor proposals for accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor health and safety measures and implement corrective actions when required.
• Identify and report any urgent safety concerns, defects or hazards.

Contract & Procurement Oversight

• Lead procurement processes for external consultants and contractors.
• Manage contract performance, administration, queries and dispute resolution.
• Ensure appropriate contract forms are used and procurement rules are followed.

Leadership & Communication

• Lead and develop teams of professional, technical and support staff.
• Provide coaching, performance management and professional development where required.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and project partners.
• Resolve project‑related disputes through effective communication and negotiation.

Strategic Input & Data Management

• Contribute to policy and strategy development to improve service delivery.
• Ensure accurate project information, warranties and asset data are captured and stored.
• Support the development of asset management systems and processes.

About You

You will be someone who:

• Has significant experience managing high‑value or complex construction projects
• Understands building legislation, construction regulations and CDM requirements
• Is confident leading multi‑disciplinary teams and external consultants
• Can interpret complex technical, contractual and financial information
• Has strong commercial awareness and budget management capability
• Communicates clearly, constructively and professionally at all levels
• Thrives on solving complex problems and making informed decisions
• Is committed to high standards of safety, quality and service delivery

Professional qualifications in construction, surveying, engineering, architecture or project management are highly desirable.

What This Role Offers

• The chance to lead major and high‑impact building projects
• Autonomy, influence and responsibility at a senior level
• A varied workload across multiple project types
• Opportunities for strategic input and continual improvement
• Leadership responsibility over technical and professional teams

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.