Project Manager

South East Water; Tonbridge and Malling; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional water authority in the UK is looking for an experienced Project Manager to oversee clean water infrastructure projects from inception to completion. You will manage project budgets, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring compliance with NEC3/NEC4 framework. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and extensive project management experience in the utilities or construction sectors.

Qualifications

• Must hold NEC3 or NEC4 Project Manager Accreditation.
• Proven ability to manage complex infrastructure projects.
• Experience in utilities, civil engineering, or construction sectors.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full project lifecycle for clean water infrastructure projects.
• Lead the administration and management of contracts.
• Develop project budgets and manage financial performance.

Skills

Project Management

Contract Management (NEC Expertise)

Technical Acumen

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experience

Professional Project Management qualification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

MS Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced and proactive Project Manager with a passion for delivering critical infrastructure projects?

We're searching for a talented individual to lead a diverse portfolio of clean water infrastructure projects, guiding them from inception through to successful completion and handover. In this vital role, you'll oversee projects that typically involve treatment works upgrades, pipeline installations and rehabilitations, reservoir maintenance, and pumping station improvements, directly contributing to the reliable supply of clean water to our communities.

As a key member of our team, you'll be accountable for the safe and successful delivery of your assigned projects, measured by their adherence to strict time, cost, and quality standards. A core requirement of this position is your proficient management of contracts, particularly utilizing the NEC (New Engineering Contract) suite. You'll ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality, all while expertly managing risk and stakeholder expectations.

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: Lead the administration and management of contracts, primarily within the NEC3/NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) framework. This involves overseeing the entire contract lifecycle, from award through to final accounts, while ensuring all parties remain contractually compliant. You'll proactively manage communications, compensation events, early warnings, program submissions, payments, and dispute resolution in line with NEC procedures.
• 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): 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. 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, 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.
• Professional Project Management qualification (e.g., APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP).
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex infrastructure projects through the entire lifecycle. Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills.
• Contract Management (NEC Expertise): Demonstrable, in-depth understanding and practical application of the NEC3/NEC4 ECC suite is essential.
• Technical Acumen: Good understanding of civil engineering, M&E, or process principles, ideally within the water/wastewater sector. Ability to understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Significant, proven experience managing infrastructure projects, preferably within the utilities, civil engineering, or construction sectors of the water industry.
• Financial Management: Strong budget management, cost control, and financial forecasting skills.
• IT Proficiency: Competent in using project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and standard office software (MS Office Suite, Google Workspace).

Desirable experience

• Chartered status with a relevant professional body (e.g., ICE, IMechE, CIWEM, APM).
• Familiarity with water industry regulations and standards.