Project Manager - Major Projects

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Exciting Opportunity for a Project Manager – Join Thames Water’s Major Projects Team in Developer Services!

Are you ready to make a real difference in the utilities sector? Thames Water is looking for a passionate and proactive Project Manager to lead and deliver a portfolio of major water and wastewater projects across London and the Thames Valley – with individual project values ranging from £150,000 to over £5 million+.
This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping vital infrastructure, working on high-profile schemes that support both our customers and the wider community.

What you will be doing as the Project Manager
As a Project Manager in our Developer Services Major Projects team, you’ll take ownership of complex, multi-disciplinary projects from initial brief through to successful handover. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, delivering Thames Water-led and customer-driven schemes that demand creative thinking and robust leadership.

You’ll ensure projects are delivered on time, to budget, and to the highest standards—all while engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders and maintaining a sharp focus on quality and compliance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading major projects: Deliver complex water and wastewater schemes across the Thames Valley region.
• Driving project success: Define and manage project scope, budgets, and delivery plans in alignment with customer expectations and business strategy.
• Engaging stakeholders: Coordinate closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure clear communication and shared goals.
• Monitoring progress: Conduct regular project reviews and provide clear, data-driven reports on timelines, risks, and financials.
• Championing safety: Promote a safety-first culture and lead by example through site visits and audits.
• Financial management: Produce accurate cost reports, manage forecasts, and support strong financial control across your portfolio.
• Ensuring governance: Adhere to strict governance frameworks to deliver high-quality, compliant projects every step of the way.

What you should bring to the role:

• Strong problem-solving skills: You approach challenges analytically and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Commercial awareness: You understand project financials and can drive efficiency while delivering value.
• Proven utilities experience: You’ve successfully managed large-scale projects in the utilities or related infrastructure sectors.
• Exceptional leadership: You inspire collaboration and commitment across diverse project teams.
• Strategic mindset: You think beyond the immediate task, identifying long-term opportunities and risks.
• Excellent risk management: You can anticipate, assess and mitigate project risks with confidence.
• Innovative thinking: You’re eager to improve, challenge assumptions, and introduce better ways of working.

Base Location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB.
Hours: 36 hours per week - Monday to Friday.

What’s in it for you?
At Thames Water, you'll be part of a forward-thinking team tackling some of the most complex and important projects in the utilities sector. If you have a passion for delivering impactful results, and a desire to innovate for the future, we want to hear from you. This is more than just a role - it's a chance to leave a lasting legacy in one of the world's vital industries.

• Competitive salary offering up to £60,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Annual leave: 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Access to many benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid this.