Project Manager

Virtua UK Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtua UK Ltd is seeking an Experienced Project Manager with a strong background in network infrastructure to deliver projects within MOJ, HM Prison Service, and other secure government environments. The role suits those who have progressed from hands-on technical work into project leadership, or have years of experience managing complex network deployments.

You will oversee end-to-end delivery, ensuring projects finish on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety, security,

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing and delivering IT and network infrastructure projects, including active network systems, network upgrades, installations, and infrastructure deployments.
• Experience on MOJ projects, within HM Prison Service establishments, or in similar secure government environments is highly desirable.
• Experience managing projects within live operational environments, with an understanding of security, access, escorting, and logistical challenges associated with prison establishments.
• A hands-on network infrastructure background progressing into project management, or several years of experience managing network infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with network infrastructure design, implementation, testing, and commissioning.
• PRINCE2 certification is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software.
• Existing MOJ, HMPPS, or relevant government security clearance is advantageous, or willingness to undergo security vetting.

Responsibilities

• Take end-to-end ownership of network infrastructure projects, including planning, monitoring, reporting, and successful delivery.
• Lead and manage project teams, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Oversee the survey, design, implementation, and commissioning of network infrastructure solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Manage projects within MOJ establishments, operational prisons, and other high-security environments, ensuring compliance with site-specific security procedures and operational restrictions.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, resource allocations, and delivery programmes.
• Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate project risks, particularly those associated with working in secure and operational environments.
• Produce and review RAMS, ensuring safe systems of work are implemented.
• Liaise with MOJ representatives, prison management, technical teams, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with QHSE teams to maintain high standards of health, safety, quality, and compliance.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

PRINCE2 certification (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Project management software

Job description

Experienced Project Manager - Network Infrastructure (MOJ & Prison Environments)

We are seeking experienced Project Managers with a strong background in network infrastructure, ideally with proven experience delivering projects within Ministry of Justice (MOJ), HM Prison Service (HMP) and other secure government environments.

This role is ideal for professionals who have progressed from a hands-on technical background into project management, or those who have several years of experience successfully managing complex network infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering multiple projects on time, within budget, and to customer expectations, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, security, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Take end-to-end ownership of network infrastructure projects, including planning, monitoring, reporting, and successful delivery.
• Lead and manage project teams, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Oversee the survey, design, implementation, and commissioning of network infrastructure solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Manage projects within MOJ establishments, operational prisons, and other high-security environments, ensuring compliance with site-specific security procedures and operational restrictions.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, resource allocations, and delivery programmes.
• Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate project risks, particularly those associated with working in secure and operational environments.
• Produce and review QHSE Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), ensuring safe systems of work are implemented.
• Liaise with MOJ representatives, prison management, technical teams, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with QHSE teams to maintain high standards of health, safety, quality, and compliance.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing and delivering IT and network infrastructure projects, including active network systems, network upgrades, installations, and infrastructure deployments.
• Previous experience working on MOJ projects, within HM Prison Service establishments, or in similar secure government environments is highly desirable.
• Experience managing projects within live operational environments, with an understanding of the security, access, escorting, and logistical challenges associated with prison establishments.
• A Proven track record of managing and delivering IT and network infrastructure projects across both active and passive infrastructure, including structured cabling (copper and fibre), network switching and routing, wireless, network upgrades, installations, and infrastructure deployments.
• Experience as a hands-on network infrastructure technician or engineer who has progressed into project management, or several years of experience managing network infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with network infrastructure design, implementation, testing, and commissioning.
• Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2) is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software.
• Existing MOJ, HMPPS, or relevant government security clearance is advantageous, or willingness and eligibility to undergo the necessary security vetting.

Key Skills

• Strong project budget, margin, and revenue management, including accurate forecasting and cost control.
• Effective resource planning, subcontractor coordination, and vendor management.
• End-to-end project lifecycle management, from initial survey and design through to implementation, handover, and project closeout.
• Understanding of MOJ and HMPPS security protocols, operational procedures, and requirements for working within prison environments.
• Knowledge of secure government network infrastructure standards and compliance requirements.
• Ability to coordinate technical teams and deliver projects within challenging, restricted-access environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and decision-making abilities.
• Results‑driven, commercially aware, and customer‑focused approach.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in hearing from Project Managers who have direct experience delivering network infrastructure projects within MOJ prisons, custodial establishments, or other high-security government facilities.

You will understand the complexities of working in operational prison environments, be comfortable engaging with prison management and government stakeholders, and have the technical and commercial expertise required to deliver infrastructure projects safely, efficiently, and successfully.

Right to Work in the UK

Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position