Senior Project Manager

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Performance‑related pay

Pension scheme

Private medical health care

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Thames Water is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead high‑value wastewater infrastructure programmes in the Thames Valley. Based in Reading with hybrid working, you will drive projects from concept through handover, manage budgets and risks, and ensure delivery to regulatory and quality standards.

You will mentor project professionals, collaborate with contractors and regulators, and champion safety culture while delivering on time and within a £250 million portfolio.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or a relevant discipline.
• Professional project management qualifications (PMQ/APM).
• Proven leadership in major project delivery.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex wastewater infrastructure projects with a portfolio worth around £250 million.
• Full lifecycle delivery from concept through to handover (design, procurement, construction, commissioning).
• Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring to project professionals.
• Accountability for programme performance: safety, on‑time delivery, budget and quality.
• Champion health and safety culture in all decisions and activities.
• Collaborate with contractors, consultants and delivery partners to drive performance.
• Develop innovative, sustainable, best‑value solutions to secure investment.
• Build trusted relationships with regulators, local authorities and environmental bodies.
• Lead commercial and contract management for value for money and risk control.
• Ensure governance, compliance and assurance across the lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement and share best practice across Thames Water.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project governance

Education

Engineering degree

PM qualification (PMQ/APM)

Job description

Senior Project Manager – Lead Major Infrastructure That Matters

Based in Reading, this Senior Project Manager position with Pertemps Thames Water offers a competitive salary between £67,000 and £80,000, dependent on experience.

This full‑time role involves leading high‑value capital programmes for wastewater infrastructure, acting as the client‑side authority from initial concept through to final handover.

You will steer complex schemes, influence investment strategies, and collaborate with specialists to ensure projects meet regulatory standards and support regional growth.

The position requires proven leadership in major project delivery, robust stakeholder management, and a firm grasp of construction methodologies.

This contract suits a professional seeking to make a tangible impact on vital public services across the Thames Valley, with responsibilities encompassing budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation.

As a Senior Project Manager, you will:

• Lead the successful delivery of complex wastewater infrastructure projects and programmes, helping shape a portfolio worth approximately £250 million.
• Take projects through the full lifecycle, from early solution development and business case approval through to design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover.
• Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring to project professionals, helping to build capability and develop future talent.
• Take accountability for programme performance, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture, placing safety at the heart of every decision and activity.
• Collaborate with contractors, consultants and delivery partners to drive performance and achieve excellent project outcomes.
• Support the development of innovative, sustainable and best‑value solutions that secure investment approval and deliver long‑term benefits.
• Build trusted relationships with regulators, local authorities, environmental bodies and internal stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Lead commercial and contract management activities, ensuring value for money and effective risk management.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance and assurance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement and share best practice across Thames Water's Capital Delivery function.

Location: Hybrid working based at Clearwater Court, Reading. You’ll typically spend a minimum of two days per week in the office alongside regular site visits.

Working Pattern: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

What You Should Bring to the Role

• Proven experience delivering large‑scale infrastructure, utility, engineering or built environment projects on behalf of a client organisation.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and bring teams together around a common goal.
• A degree in Engineering or a relevant discipline, alongside professional project management qualifications (such as PMQ/APM membership).
• Expertise in recognised project management methodologies and best‑practice delivery approaches.
• Experience managing projects throughout the full lifecycle, from concept and investment approval through to operational handover.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, enabling effective collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups.
• A strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and CDM Regulations.
• A passion for coaching, developing and enabling high‑performing teams.

• It would be great if you also have experience within the water, utilities or wider infrastructure sector.
• Chartered status, or you’re actively working towards achieving it.
• Experience leading and developing teams of project professionals.
• Experience delivering projects within a regulated environment.
• A track record of operating at a senior level and influencing strategic decision‑making.

What's in it for you?

This is your opportunity to work on projects that genuinely matter. You’ll help deliver essential infrastructure, enhance services for millions of customers and play a key role in creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary of £67,000 to £80,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Car allowance of £5,800 per annum.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
• Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment).

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets.

We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same.

As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process.

If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador.

Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Come and join the Thames Water family.