Project Manager

OCU; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility engineering contractor is looking for a Project Manager to oversee the delivery of Substation projects. The role involves responsibilities such as managing project plans, ensuring safety compliance, and liaising with stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and proven experience in Project Management, preferably within the utilities or construction sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Project Management roles, particularly in construction or utility sectors.
• Strong knowledge of HV distribution networks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage detailed project plans ensuring timely delivery.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Organisation and planning

Strong planning skills

Excellent communication

Analytical problem-solving

Operational efficiency

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Job description

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Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

Project Manager

Role Overview

The Project Manager is responsible for managing the project delivery of Primary and Grid Substation projects on the SSEN Framework. The successful candidate will ensure that all electrical and civil works are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project specifications and regulatory standards.

The role requires technical experience in substation build and refurbishment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with design teams, contractors, and stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

Project Planning and Execution:

• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and milestones to ensure timely delivery.

• Oversee day-to-day operations on assigned projects, ensuring activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with specifications.

• Coordinate with the design, procurement, and site teams to ensure smooth project delivery.

• Conduct regular progress reviews and report updates to the Senior Project Manager.

Health and Safety Management:

• Ensure all project activities comply with health and safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.

• Conduct site inspections and audits to maintain a safe working environment.

• Identify potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate risks.

• Promote a strong safety culture within the project team and among subcontractors.

Operational Performance:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects, ensuring they meet agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

• Implement robust project governance processes, monitoring progress, and addressing challenges proactively.

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project delivery and operational efficiency.

Financial and Commercial Performance:

Working alongside the Project Commercial Team:

• Monitor project budgets, costs, and forecasts, ensuring financial targets are met.

• Collaborate with the commercial team to manage contracts, variations, and claims.

• Identify and address financial risks and opportunities to protect project profitability.

• Ensure timely submission of invoices and payment applications.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the main point of contact for clients, consultants, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with all project stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration.

• Represent the company in client meetings, progress reviews, and other engagements.

Team Leadership and Coordination:

• Lead and motivate the project team, including site managers, engineers, and subcontractors.

• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood within the project team.

• Provide guidance, training, and support to team members to ensure optimal performance.

Risk Management and Problem-Solving:

• Identify and assess risks to project delivery, including technical, operational, and financial risks.

• Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address risks and challenges.

• Resolve issues that arise during the project lifecycle, escalating to the Project Director as needed.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all works are delivered to the required quality standards and in accordance with project specifications.

• Conduct regular inspections and audits to verify compliance with quality requirements.

• Address non-conformance issues promptly and effectively.

Project Coordination:

• Coordinate multiple projects within the framework, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Work alongside framework managers to ensure resources are effectively allocated.
• Resolve any issues or challenges that may arise during project delivery.

Experience you need to be considered?

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent qualifications or extensive industry experience may be considered.
• Proven experience in Project Management roles within the construction, renewable energy, or utility sectors.
• Strong knowledge of HV distribution networks.
• Experience with site supervision and managing contractors for electrical installations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyse complex problems, make data-driven decisions, and develop innovative solutions to achieve project objectives.

Skills:

• Organisation and planning/programme management.
• Strong planning and time-management skills.
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
  
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  
  
• Project coordination and delivery: Organise and plan the delivery of multiple projects.
  Safety Leadership: Commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant site environment.
• Operational Efficiency: Ability to manage resources and deliver electrical works to high standards.
• Problem Solving: Proactive in addressing challenges and providing innovative solutions.
  Collaboration: Works effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve project goals.

What happens next?

If the above sounds like you, then please apply for the role. If you are suitable, I will contact you to provide more details like salary, package, benefits and some more information about the company. If you love what you hear, we have a real simple interview process.

Our first stage consists of a video call with our hiring manager - An opportunity for you both to find out more about each other.

An in person meeting to see where you will be working.

That's it! Your bright future with us begins.

What We Value

We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values, we all sign up to these… We care about safety. We lead with integrity. We strive to be better every day. We make a positive impact. We deliver to grow. We are one company united.

Company Information:

OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.