Project Manager - Utilities

Opus Recruitment Solutions Limited; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 112,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

London attendance

Contract extension potential

High-profile transformation programme

Job summary

Opus Recruitment Solutions Limited is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a portfolio of transformation initiatives in the UK water sector. This role involves navigating complex, regulated environments and coordinating business and technology change across multiple streams.

The position offers hybrid working with London attendance on a 12-month contract, with a rate up to £700 per day (Inside IR35). A strong track record in delivering large-scale programmes is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering transformation projects within regulated utilities environments.
• Excellent governance, stakeholder engagement and cross-functional delivery skills.
• Demonstrable ability to manage budgets, risks and dependencies across complex programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex transformation projects from initiation through to completion.
• Manage project plans, budgets, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Engage with senior stakeholders across business and technology functions.
• Coordinate delivery teams, third-party suppliers and external partners.
• Support governance, reporting and programme controls.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed scope, timeframes and objectives.
• Drive process improvement and organisational change activities.
• Support integration of transformation initiatives into wider business planning and regulatory programmes.

Skills

Transformation delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Risk management

Financial management

Job description

Rate: Up to 700 per day (Inside IR35)

Contract Length: Initial 12-Month Contract

We're supporting a major transformation programme within the UK water sector and are seeking an experienced Project Manager to play a key role in delivering a portfolio of strategic change initiatives. This is an opportunity to join a business entering a significant period of investment and transformation, with programmes spanning ERP, finance transformation, digital change, process improvement, automation and wider operational initiatives aligned to regulatory and business planning objectives. The successful candidate will be an experienced Project Manager who is comfortable operating within complex utility environments, managing multiple stakeholders and driving delivery across both business and technology workstreams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex transformation projects from initiation through to completion.
• Manage project plans, budgets, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Engage with senior stakeholders across business and technology functions.
• Coordinate delivery teams, third-party suppliers and external partners.
• Support governance, reporting and programme controls.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed scope, timeframes and objectives.
• Drive process improvement and organisational change activities.
• Support integration of transformation initiatives into wider business planning and regulatory programmes.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience delivering transformation projects within the water utilities sector.
• Strong Project Management background within complex, regulated environments.
• Experience working across business and technology change programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Demonstrable experience managing third-party suppliers and delivery partners.
• Strong governance, risk and financial management capability.

Highly Desirable

• Experience delivering programmes linked to AMP cycles.
• Knowledge of business planning, price review or regulatory investment frameworks.
• ERP implementation or finance transformation experience.
• Exposure to enterprise integrations and large-scale change initiatives.
• Experience supporting operational transformation, automation or digital programmes.
• Utilities sector experience beyond water (energy, infrastructure or regulated industries).

What's on Offer?

• Up to 700 per day Inside IR35
• Initial 12-month contract
• High-profile transformation programme
• Hybrid working with London attendance
• Long-term programme roadmap and strong extension potential
• Opportunity to deliver meaningful change within a critical national infrastructure environment

If you're an experienced Project Manager with a background in the water sector and a track record of delivering complex transformation programmes, we'd be keen to hear from you.