Senior Project Manager

Tilbury Douglas; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK building and infrastructure company is seeking a Senior Project Manager in Reading to oversee wastewater infrastructure projects. This role requires 8–10 years of experience in the water sector, strong leadership skills, and technical knowledge. The successful candidate will ensure effective delivery, manage budgets, and maintain compliance with health and safety standards. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, alongside opportunities for professional growth and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Flexible working

Private medical insurance

Defined contribution pension scheme

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years' experience delivering water or wastewater construction projects.
• Strong track record in leading multi-disciplinary site delivery teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple subcontractors and complex site interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Manage project budgets and cost forecasts in coordination with the commercial team.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across project activities.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Oversee site-based personnel and coordinate work activities.

Skills

Project leadership

Contract management

Health and safety compliance

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Technical coordination

Effective communication

Planning and organization

Education

Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or related engineering

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Role Overview

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading the successful delivery of wastewater infrastructure projects from pre‑construction through to commissioning and final handover. This includes full oversight of safety, programme, commercial performance, technical coordination, stakeholder management, and team leadership.

This role requires significant experience within the water/wastewater sector and strong capability in managing multi‑disciplinary construction projects where design is completed externally by consultants or client‑appointed designers. You will ensure that installation, construction sequencing, technical coordination, procurement, and subcontractor management are carried out effectively and to the required standards.

Hybrid working is available, with regular visits to site and client offices expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Delivery

  • Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on programme, within budget, and to quality requirements.
  • Translate client‑issued designs into clear construction plans, ensuring technical information is fully understood, coordinated, and buildable.
  • Drive progress on site through effective planning, sequencing, resource coordination, and issue resolution.
  • Ensure installation, testing, and commissioning activities are delivered in accordance with approved designs, specifications, and standards.
  • Lead the completion, documentation, and handover process, ensuring assets are accepted and operational.

• Commercial & Contract Management

  • Manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and early warnings in coordination with the commercial team.
  • Ensure NEC contract mechanisms are followed, including compensation events, risk reduction meetings, and correct contractual correspondence.
  • Conduct commercial and progress reviews with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
  • Support procurement of construction packages, specialist suppliers, and installation contractors.

• Health, Safety, Environment & Quality

  • Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across all project activities.
  • Ensure compliance with CDM obligations, site‑specific safety plans, and company SHEQ systems.
  • Oversee quality assurance processes, including inspections, test plans, auditing, and documentation reviews.
  • Support environmental management requirements, promoting sustainable construction and reducing environmental impact.

• Client, Designer & Stakeholder Coordination

  • Act as the main point of contact for the client, designer, and other external stakeholders.
  • Manage relationships with client‑appointed design consultants, ensuring design intent is clearly interpreted and communicated to delivery teams.
  • Chair progress meetings, technical reviews, and coordination sessions.
  • Engage with statutory bodies, landowners, operational teams, and local stakeholders as required.

• Construction Management & Site Leadership

  • Oversee site‑based personnel including Site Managers, Supervisors, Engineers, and subcontractors.
  • Monitor work progress against programmes, identify delays, and implement recovery actions.
  • Ensure installation activities are coordinated across civil, mechanical, electrical, and ICA teams.
  • Review method statements, lifting plans, RAMS, and construction sequencing for technical and practical robustness.
  • Conduct regular site reviews, quality inspections, and compliance checks.

• Programme, Reporting & Governance

  • Develop and maintain detailed construction programmes and look‑ahead plans.
  • Track progress against the critical path and report variances promptly.
  • Produce clear monthly reports covering programme, cost, risk, health & safety, quality, and commercial matters.
  • Maintain project documentation including risk registers, change logs, decision records, and communication logs.

• Team Development & Leadership

  • Provide leadership, structure, and direction to the project delivery team.
  • Mentor and support the development of Project Engineers, Site Managers, and Supervisors.
  • Promote a positive team culture focused on collaboration, wellbeing, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 8–10+ years’ experience delivering water or wastewater construction projects (non‑design and construct).
• Strong track record in leading multi‑disciplinary site delivery teams.
• NEC3/NEC4 contract knowledge with experience of managing contractual obligations and commercial impacts.
• Strong technical understanding of wastewater infrastructure, mechanical and electrical plant installation, civils works, and commissioning processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple subcontractors and complex site interfaces.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong planning and organisational capability.
• Competent IT skills including project management tools and reporting systems.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable

• SMSTS qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Chartered status or working toward chartership (ICE, IMechE, IET, CIWEM).
• Experience with MMC, offsite fabrication, modular installation, and lean methodologies.
• Experience delivering projects within AMP frameworks.
• First Aid at Work qualification.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary
• Car allowance
• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
• Life Assurance
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
• 2 days volunteering opportunities
• Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional membership fees
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
  • Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Bike to work scheme
  • Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attraction

Who we are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit‑out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and environment.

It is our people who make Tilbury Douglas a success. We believe our inclusive culture encourages new ways of thinking, enabling us to innovate whilst remaining resilient. We value and celebrate all individual differences and look forward to receiving your application.

We are proud to announce that we have retained our Investors in Diversity Silver Award.

Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks.

Please note we do not have a sponsorship licence.

We look forward to receiving your application!