Project Manager - Water Utilities Civil Engineering

Fawkes and Reece; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Fawkes and Reece is seeking an experienced Project Manager or ambitious Site Agent to lead civil engineering and utilities projects in the water sector. You will drive delivery from inception through to handover, working with designers, clients, subcontractors and site teams to meet safety, schedule and budget targets.

We welcome candidates with circa 3 years’ site or project delivery experience ready to step into project management, with water and wastewater exposure preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering civil engineering projects from inception to handover.
• Ability to manage programmes, resources and delivery teams.
• Commercial awareness with cost forecasting and budget control.
• Strong leadership and client/stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of multiple civil engineering projects, safely and on programme.
• Act as key client contact and manage project risks and expectations.
• Develop and monitor detailed project programmes and budgets.
• Oversee Site Agents and teams across sites to ensure high performance.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Budget forecasting

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

SMSTS

CSCS Card

Full UK Driving Licence

Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Reference: PMApsThames_1788874987
Posted: September 8, 2026

Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum
Location: Apsley
Sector: Civil Engineering / Utilities / Infrastructure
Employment Type: Full-time

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager or ambitious Site Agent to join a busy civil engineering and utilities team delivering projects across water and wastewater infrastructure.

This is a hands‑on role offering the opportunity to take ownership of multiple projects from initial inception and pre‑construction through to completion and handover.

We are also open to experienced Site Agents with around 3 years' experience delivering civil engineering projects who are ready to take the next step into a Project Manager position.

You will work closely with designers, site teams, clients, subcontractors and suppliers to ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of multiple civil engineering projects, ensuring safe, timely and commercially successful completion.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and managing project risks and expectations.
• Develop, manage and monitor detailed project programmes, proactively identifying and mitigating potential delays.
• Oversee Site Agents and operational teams, ensuring effective coordination, accountability and high performance across multiple sites.
• Lead health, safety and environmental compliance, ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with CDM Regulations and industry best practice.
• Develop and manage project documentation including RAMS, Quality Management Plans, Environmental Management Plans and Construction Phase Plans.
• Monitor and control project costs through CVR reviews, cost trackers, forecasting and financial performance reporting.
• Manage subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring performance, quality, programme and commercial requirements are achieved.
• Identify and manage technical and operational risks, particularly when working around live services, critical infrastructure and complex ground conditions.
• Provide clear reporting to senior management covering progress, risks, programme, costs and mitigation measures.
• Manage projects from site establishment through construction and final handover.

About You

We are looking for someone with a background in civil engineering, utilities or infrastructure who is ready to take responsibility for project delivery.

You may be an established Project Manager, or a Site Agent with approximately 3 years' experience delivering civil engineering projects who is looking for the opportunity to step up into project management.

Water and wastewater experience would be highly advantageous, although experience from other infrastructure sectors will also be considered.

You should have:

• Strong knowledge of civil engineering construction methods.
• Experience delivering projects from construction through to completion.
• The ability to manage programmes, resources and delivery teams.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of project costs and forecasting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience managing subcontractors and coordinating site teams.
• Excellent client and stakeholder communication skills.
• A good understanding of CDM Regulations, health and safety and construction compliance.
• Strong organisational and reporting skills.
• Experience working around live services, critical assets or complex construction environments.
• A proven track record of delivering projects safely, on programme and to specification.

Essential Qualifications

• SMSTS
• CSCS Card
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC)

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Microsoft Project or similar planning software experience.