Senior Project Manager

Opals Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead energy transition projects in the North West. This role is pivotal in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee project planning, execution, and stakeholder management while fostering a strong safety culture. If you are passionate about making a positive impact and have a proven track record in project management within the utilities or renewable energy sectors, this is an exciting opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability in a supportive environment. Join a team that values integrity, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project management of ICP/BESS schemes in construction.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with standards.
• Manage health and safety regulations and promote a strong safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Equivalent qualifications or extensive industry experience

Tools

Project management tools and software

Job description

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering engineering solutions. Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team based in the North West.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we aim to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring the highest standards of compliance, safety, and ethical conduct. We are seeking experienced Senior Project Managers with experience of energy, ICP, Renewable Energy, DNO, IDNO, Generation, BESS projects to join our projects based in the North West.

Role Overview

The Senior Project Manager is a critical role within the project delivery team, reporting directly to the Project Director and responsible for the successful planning, execution, and completion of assigned projects. This role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

The Senior Project Manager will lead project teams, manage subcontractors, and act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring strong communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project Planning and Execution:
   Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and milestones to ensure timely delivery.
   Oversee day-to-day operations on assigned projects, ensuring activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with specifications.
   Coordinate with the design, procurement, and site teams to ensure smooth project delivery.
   Conduct regular progress reviews and report updates to the Project Director.
2. Health and Safety Management:
   Ensure all project activities comply with health and safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
   Conduct site inspections and audits to maintain a safe working environment.
   Identify potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate risks.
   Promote a strong safety culture within the project team and among subcontractors.
3. Operational Performance:
   Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects, ensuring they meet agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
   Implement robust project governance processes, monitoring progress, and addressing challenges proactively.
   Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project delivery and operational efficiency.
4. Financial and Commercial Performance:
   Working alongside the Project Commercial Team:
   Monitor project budgets, costs, and forecasts, ensuring financial targets are met.
   Collaborate with the commercial team to manage contracts, variations, and claims.
   Identify and address financial risks and opportunities to protect project profitability.
   Ensure timely submission of invoices and payment applications.
5. Stakeholder Management:
   Act as the main point of contact for clients, consultants, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment.
   Build and maintain strong relationships with all project stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration.
   Represent the company in client meetings, progress reviews, and other engagements.
6. Team Leadership and Coordination:
   Lead and motivate the project team, including site managers, engineers, and subcontractors.
   Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood within the project team.
   Provide guidance, training, and support to team members to ensure optimal performance.
7. Risk Management and Problem-Solving:
   Identify and assess risks to project delivery, including technical, operational, and financial risks.
   Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address risks and challenges.
   Resolve issues that arise during the project lifecycle, escalating to the Project Director as needed.
8. Quality Assurance:
   Ensure all works are delivered to the required quality standards and in accordance with project specifications.
   Conduct regular inspections and audits to verify compliance with quality requirements.
   Address non-conformance issues promptly and effectively.

Skills and Experience

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent qualifications or extensive industry experience may be considered.

Experience:
Proven experience in project management of ICP/BESS schemes/ renewable energy within the construction, utilities or rail industries.
Track record of successfully delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Experience managing health and safety, commercial, and operational aspects of projects.

Skills:
Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in project management tools and software.
Financial acumen and understanding of project cost control.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on delivering results.

Key Competencies:
Project Delivery: Skilled in planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of project execution.
Safety Leadership: Committed to maintaining a safe working environment and promoting a strong safety culture.
Client Focus: Dedicated to building and maintaining strong client relationships.
Problem Solving: Proactive in addressing challenges and implementing effective solutions.
Attention to Detail: Ensures high-quality outcomes across all project activities.

What We Value:
We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values, we all sign up to these… We care about safety. We lead with integrity. We strive to be better every day. We make a positive impact. We deliver to grow. We are one company united.
Our Aim & Vision at OCU To be the UK's leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

We are committed to leading the way in utilities and energy transition contracting, our mission is to innovate and deliver sustainability. At OCU, our passion for addressing complex challenges brings new standards of growth in our people and capabilities.