Senior Project Manager

Abatec Recruitment; Exeter; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

26 days annual leave

Option to buy/sell additional 3 days

Life assurance

Health insurance

Private medical insurance

Company pension (matched up to 8%)

Job summary

Abatec Recruitment is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of complex waste-water projects across Devon, including a 5-year framework with potential extension. You will oversee safety, schedule, budget, and quality, guiding cross-functional teams from site construction through handover.

Experience in water is a plus but not essential; candidates from major infrastructure or civil backgrounds are welcome, with support to transition into the water industry.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing major projects valued at £20M+.
• Strong team leadership, financial management and development of teams.
• Exceptional client-facing and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver High-Impact Infrastructure: Take full ownership of major projects, driving safety, schedule, budget, and quality standards from start to finish.
• Lead & Mentor: Inspire multidisciplinary teams and foster a high-performing culture through active mentorship and clear communication.
• Manage Risk & Performance: Oversee commercial performance and project risk, identifying opportunities to boost efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
• Build Key Partnerships: Cultivate strong, lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners at all levels.
• Drive Modern Innovation: Champion continuous improvement, digital construction tools, and modern methods of construction across all project phases.

Skills

Proven track record

Leadership & commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Delivery of major projects

Education

HNC or equivalent in construction-related discipline

Professional membership CIOB preferred

Tools

SMSTS

CSCS card

Job description

Be part of the senior management team delivering complex waste-water projects across Devon. My client, a national contractor with a turnover in excess of £500m, has been awarded tier-one status with South West Water. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Project Manager to join a 5-year framework with a possible 5-year extension and help deliver projects with an anticipated value between £50m and £70m per year.

In this role, you'll report to the Regional Operations Director and drive the end-to-end delivery of complex projects—guiding cross-functional teams from site construction through to handover.

While experience in the water sector is a plus, it isn't a necessity. We welcome Senior Project Managers from major infrastructure or civil engineering backgrounds and will fully support your transition into the water industry.

As Senior Project Manager you will be responsible for:

• Deliver High-Impact Infrastructure: Take full ownership of major projects, driving safety, schedule, budget, and quality standards from start to finish.
• Lead & Mentor: Inspire multidisciplinary teams and foster a high-performing culture through active mentorship and clear communication.
• Manage Risk & Performance: Oversee commercial performance and project risk, identifying opportunities to boost efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
• Build Key Partnerships: Cultivate strong, lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners at all levels.
• Drive Modern Innovation: Champion continuous improvement, digital construction tools, and modern methods of construction across all project phases.

Our client requires applicant to have the following:

• Proven Track Record: Experience managing major projects valued at £20M+.
• Leadership & Commercial Acumen: Strong team leadership, financial management, and team development skills.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional client-facing and stakeholder management abilities.
• Certifications: Valid SMSTS and appropriate CSCS card.
• Qualifications: HNC (or equivalent) in a construction-related discipline; professional membership (e.g., CIOB) preferred.

Location: This role is project based across Devon and will require regular visits to our clients' offices in Exeter

Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Benefits:

• Car allowance, 26 days annual leave (exc bank holidays), option to purchase/sell an additional 3 days leave, life assurance, health insurance, private medical insurance, company pension (matched up to 8%) plus many more