Senior Project Manager

Wates Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Group is seeking a Senior Construction Project Manager to lead large-scale construction projects from pre-construction through handover. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage key stakeholders, and ensure delivery on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

This strategic leadership role requires strong commercial acumen and a proactive approach to risk, safety, and value engineering, while fostering collaborative relationships with clients, consultants,

Qualifications

• Experience leading large-scale construction projects with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong ability to manage client relationships and key stakeholders.
• Proven track record in delivering projects on time, on budget, and to quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution and delivery of construction projects (£20m+ values).
• Act as principal client contact and chair project meetings with progress reporting.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, change control, and cost reporting with value engineering where possible.
• Champion health, safety and compliance across project teams and supply chains.
• Develop, coach and mentor project teams to foster a high-performance culture.
• Drive sustainable practices and innovative delivery methods.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project delivery

Safety & compliance

Budget & cost control

Job description

About Wates Group

Wates Group is one of the UK's leading family‑owned development, building, and property maintenance companies. With a proud heritage spanning more than 125 years, Wates is committed to delivering exceptional construction solutions that create lasting social value, drive sustainability, and positively impact communities across the UK.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Construction Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex construction projects across a diverse portfolio, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, programme performance, and client satisfaction.

The Role

As a Senior Construction Project Manager, you will take full ownership of large‑scale construction projects from pre‑construction through to completion and handover. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage key stakeholder relationships, oversee commercial and operational performance, and ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

This is a strategic leadership role requiring exceptional project delivery expertise, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to foster collaborative working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of construction projects valued from £20m+.
• Develop and implement project execution strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
• Monitor project progress and proactively manage risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Drive programme certainty through effective resource planning and project controls.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the principal point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
• Build trusted client relationships, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Chair project meetings and provide regular progress reports.
• Manage relationships with local authorities, consultants, supply chain partners, and statutory bodies.

Commercial Management

• Collaborate closely with Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors to monitor project financial performance.
• Oversee project budgets, forecasts, change control, and cost reporting.
• Identify and deliver value engineering opportunities.
• Ensure robust management of contract obligations and risk mitigation strategies.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Champion Wates' commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Ensure all activities comply with current legislation, company policies, and industry best practices.
• Promote a positive safety culture across project teams and subcontractors.
• Lead incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented where required.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop project teams, including Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers, and support functions.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor emerging leaders within the business.
• Conduct performance reviews and support talent development initiatives.

Quality & Sustainability

• Ensure projects achieve the highest quality standards and client requirements.
• Drive sustainable construction practices and support environmental objectives.
• Promote innovation, modern methods of construction, and digital delivery initiatives.
• Support achievement of sustainability and social value targets.