Project Manager

Mace; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is hiring a Project Manager to lead ambitious highways schemes in Manchester. The role requires coordinating design, procurement and construction with strong governance and robust stakeholder engagement.

You will manage cross‑functional teams, oversee NEC governance, and drive delivery on multi‑million‑pound programmes while balancing budget and schedule in a local government/public sector context. Hybrid working is available, with on‑site presence in Manchester three days per week.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering highways or civil engineering projects in the public sector.
• UK public sector procurement knowledge and governance processes.
• APM/ICE membership or ongoing professional development.
• Strong understanding of NEC contracts and governance.
• Experience using CEMAR for contract administration and changes.
• Experience managing multi‑million‑pound capital programmes.
• Ability to coordinate design, construction, utilities, traffic management and stakeholders.
• Experience managing cross‑functional teams with contractors in sensitive contexts.
• Clear communication with residents, councillors and partner organisations.

Responsibilities

• Drive a growing portfolio of complex highways schemes through design, approvals and construction.
• Governance, procurement and construction with pace, assurance and stakeholder confidence.
• Coordinate design, construction, utilities, traffic management and stakeholder activity across busy urban environments.
• Lead cross‑functional teams and maintain progress in politically sensitive contexts.
• Deliver multi‑million‑pound capital programmes to scope, budget and deadlines.

Skills

NEC contracts

CEMAR

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional leadership

Contract administration

Risk management

Highways projects

Education

APM/ICE membership

Tools

Dashboards

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project:

As local authorities across the UK accelerate the delivery of ambitious highways, active travel and public‑realm programmes, we are expanding our team. We are seeking an exceptional Project Manager to help drive a growing portfolio of complex, high‑profile schemes through design, approvals and construction. Over the next year, our mobility programme will scale significantly, with major junction upgrades, corridor improvements, sustainable transport schemes and critical maintenance works all moving into delivery. This role will be central to ensuring these projects progress through governance, procurement and construction with pace, assurance and strong stakeholder confidence.

Please Note:

This role is based on site in Manchester 3 days per week.

You’ll Need To Have

• Must have the legal right to work in the UK and be able to commute across the greater Manchester region as required.
• Experience delivering highways or civil engineering projects, ideally within a local authority or public sector setting.
• Membership of APM, ICE or similar, or evidence of ongoing professional development.
• A good understanding of NEC contracts, public sector procurement approaches, and governance processes used by UK local authorities.
• Confidence using CEMAR for contract administration, early warnings, compensation events, and NEC compliance.
• Experience managing multi‑million‑pound capital programmes, ensuring delivery to scope, budget, and deadlines.
• The ability to coordinate design, construction, utilities, traffic management, and stakeholder activity across busy urban environments.
• Experience managing cross‑functional teams, working with contractors, and maintaining progress in politically sensitive contexts.
• A solid approach to managing risks, issues, and change, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Clear communication skills, with confidence engaging residents, councillors, statutory bodies, and partner organisations.
• Competence in using project management tools, dashboards, and reporting systems to support programme visibility and assurance.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel:

We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.