Project Manager - PMCM Rail

WSP; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and professional services firm in Cardiff is looking for a Project Manager to drive complex rail projects. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering or management, experience managing NEC contracts, and a proven track record in client-side project delivery. This role offers a hybrid working model, ensuring a balance between work and personal life, alongside comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid working policy

Inclusivity and Belonging initiatives

Health and wellbeing programmes

Flexible working hours

Formal project management training support

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Chartered membership or nearing completion.
• Working experience managing NEC3/4 contracts.
• Experience in project management and Technical Management.
• Experience with transport-related organisations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project meetings and workshops.
• Manage budgets and ensure project delivery on time.
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients.
• Ensure compliance with safety and governance standards.
• Drive innovative design and solution implementation.

Skills

NEC3 and NEC4 contract management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Effective communication

Education

Degree in engineering or management

Tools

MSP

PRINCE2

Six Sigma

Job description

Job Description

At WSP you will enable the delivery of complex rail projects of regional, national, and international significance. You will ensure that the projects are delivered safely, to high quality standards, on time, and within budget.

Your Team

We are a diverse, inclusive, and enthusiastic team of Project, Commercial and Design Managers working in the Rail sector, focused on delivering solutions for our clients.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating relevant disciplines through project meetings and target‑led workshops.
• Establishing robust processes and procedures to manage the project, in conjunction with the client’s team.
• Acting as primary point of contact for the client, ensuring their needs and expectations are met through both the design and construction phases.
• Developing and managing client and stakeholder relationships through effective listening and influencing skills.
• Compiling monthly project reports and data‑based scenarios to provide senior managers with clarity of project position.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local authorities, and community groups.
• Facilitating regular project meetings, presentations, and progress reports.
• Addressing stakeholder concerns and managing expectations effectively.
• Managing contracts in accordance with contract rules of engagement (including NEC3 & NEC4).
• Managing project budgets, including cost estimation, tracking, and reporting.
• Optimising resource utilisation and ensuring financial performance aligns with project goals.
• Reviewing and approving project expenditures and invoices.
• Managing changes and delays affecting the project and ensuring these are resolved or mitigated, and ensuring project management processes are consistently improved and implemented.
• Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the design and construction phases and establishing risk mitigation measures.
• Dealing with RFIs, early warnings, and general communications to reduce project risk and ensure successful project delivery.
• Being a safety leader, driving safety performance and compliance with Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations. Discharging CDM duties as required by the client.
• Ensuring all activities are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, adhering to corporate governance and standards.
• Defining project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with client and stakeholders.
• Liaising with Planner to develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Overseeing project execution, ensuring adherence to project plans and schedules.
• Monitoring project progress, identifying potential issues, and implementing corrective actions.
• Driving innovative design and construction solutions and implementing processes to enhance project efficiency and productivity.
• Evaluating and integrating new technologies and methodologies to improve project performance.

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant engineering or management discipline (e.g., project or construction management, engineering, science, or building).
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body, or nearing completion of this status (advantageous).
• APM / MSP / PMI / PRINCE2 / Six Sigma certifications (considered beneficial).
• Working experience managing NEC3/4 contracts.
• Experience in project management, including Technical and Project Management and Project Controls.
• Experience working on significant projects with demonstrated client‑side project delivery (design and build).
• Experience working with organisations such as Transport for Wales, Network Rail, and other rail‑related entities (advantageous).
• Proven ability to manage successful workstreams within a multi‑disciplinary delivery team.
• Demonstrated curiosity, solution‑focused mindset, and responsiveness to client issues.

Benefits & Perks

Work‑life balance: Hybrid working policy allows two days a week working from home, and corporate requirement to be in the office minimum three days a week to support teamwork.

Inclusivity & Belonging: WSP welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourages authenticity and inclusion.

Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” allows one hour each day for personal activities, with flexible make‑up time.

Your development: Support in training, mentoring, and opportunity to gain formal project management qualifications through the APM pathway.

About Us

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, with 72,800 passionate people united by a purpose of creating lasting positive impacts on communities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.