Project Manager

South East Water Limited; Snodland; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

South East Water Limited is seeking a proactive Project Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of clean water infrastructure projects across its supply areas in the southeast of England. You will manage treatment upgrades, pipeline works, reservoirs and pumping stations, with NEC-based contract governance and strong emphasis on time, cost and quality.

The role requires hands-on lifecycle delivery, excellent stakeholder engagement, and robust risk and cost control while promoting safety and CDM

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• NEC3/NEC4 Project Manager Accreditation (ECC) required or demonstrable hands-on NEC ECC management experience.
• Proven ability to manage complex infrastructure projects lifecycle.
• Strong planning, organisational and time management skills.
• In-depth NEC3/NEC4 ECC understanding and application.

Responsibilities

• Lead full project lifecycle from initiation to handover for clean water infrastructure projects.
• Manage NEC-based contracts, including changes, compensation events, payments and dispute resolution.
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets; monitor progress and forecast costs.
• Identify and mitigate project risks; support opportunities for efficiency upgrades.
• Engage with stakeholders, regulatory bodies, customers and contractors; report progress to senior management.
• Ensure quality, safety and environmental requirements are met across all project activities.

Skills

Project management

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

NEC ECC knowledge

Budget management

Risk management

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Eng degree

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Summary: Are you a proactive Project Manager who thrives on delivering high-impact infrastructure projects? Do you have the hands-on experience needed to lead complex infrastructure projects like treatment upgrades and pipeline installations? We are looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of clean water infrastructure projects, from inception through to completion and handover. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing projects typically involving treatment works upgrades, pipeline installations/rehabilitations, reservoir maintenance, and pumping station improvements. A core requirement of this role is the proficient management of contracts, particularly utilising the NEC (New Engineering Contract) suite, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, while managing risk and stakeholder expectations effectively. The Project Manager will be accountable and responsible for the successful delivery of projects within their portfolio. The principal measures of success in the role will be the safe and successful delivery of the projects to Time, Cost and Quality. Although this role offers flexible/hybrid working (office/home), you will be expected to travel to any location or site within South East Water’s supply areas, as required, as part of the project(s) you are working on.

Main responsibilities

• Project Delivery Manage the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure for assigned clean water infrastructure projects.
• Contract Management (NEC Focus) Lead the administration and management of contracts, primarily under the NEC3/NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) framework. Manage contract award, and subsequent contract administration activities. Proactively manage communication, compensation events, early warnings, programme submissions, payments, and dispute resolution in accordance with NEC procedures. Ensure contractual compliance by all parties (Client, Contractor, Designer). Oversee contract change control processes and manage final accounts.
• Scope & Schedule Management Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables. Develop and manage detailed project schedules and work plans, tracking progress and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Budget & Cost Control Develop project budgets, monitor expenditure, forecast costs, and manage financial performance to ensure delivery within approved funding.
• Risk & Opportunity Management Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks. Proactively manage the early warning process and identify opportunities for project enhancement or efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement Liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including operations teams, engineering/design consultants, contractors, regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofwat, Environment Agency, DWI), customers, and local authorities. To maintain and enhance the reputation of South East Water.
• Quality Assurance Ensure all project deliverables meet required technical specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements specific to the water industry.
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) To take a lead on the safe delivery of projects and contribute to the continuous improvement of the delivery team's safety culture. Champion a strong HSE culture. Ensure all project activities comply with company policies, CDM regulations, and relevant environmental legislation.
• Reporting Provide regular and accurate project progress reports, highlighting key achievements, risks, issues, and financial status to senior management and stakeholders. To develop, present and gain corporate approval for project or sub‑programme business cases, in line with the Company's governance processes.
• Team Leadership & Coordination Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (internal staff, consultants, contractors) to achieve project objectives. Foster a collaborative and performance‑driven project environment.

You’ll need

• Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• NEC Accreditation: Must hold NEC3 or NEC4 Project Manager Accreditation (ECC). Alternatively, provide evidence of extensive, hands‑on experience successfully managing multiple projects as a Project Manager under NEC3/NEC4 ECC conditions.
• Proven ability to manage complex infrastructure projects through the entire lifecycle.
• Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills.
• Demonstrable, in‑depth understanding and practical application of the NEC3/NEC4 ECC suite is essential.
• Ability to interpret contractual requirements and manage contractual processes effectively and fairly.
• Good understanding of civil engineering, M&E, or process principles, ideally within the water/wastewater sector.
• Ability to understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong budget management, cost control, and financial forecasting skills.
• Proficient in identifying, assessing, and managing project risks and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and effectively influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate project teams.
• Strong understanding and commitment to health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices, including CDM regulations.
• Competent in using project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and standard office software (MS Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Significant, proven experience managing infrastructure projects, preferably within the utilities, civil engineering, or construction sectors of the water industry.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities.
• The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.
• Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

We recognise diversity and inclusion: We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Background, identity, and employment referencing checks will be required as part of the employment offer. You must have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.

Benefits package

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

Compensation package: Up to £73,000 plus car allowance

We supply top‑quality drinking water to 2.3 million customers in the southeast of England. Through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe, we deliver 544 million litres of water every day. It's the skill and expertise of our employees that ensures our water meets the highest standards. We make sure we can meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future.

Company values

• Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted.
• We’ll encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth.
• A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging.
• Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.

Be you, belong and valued. Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.