Senior Project Manager

Costain; Warrington; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the water sector seeks a Senior Project Manager to oversee project delivery across the United Utilities region. The role involves managing a high-performing team, fostering relationships, and ensuring project efficiency and safety. Candidates should have a strong background in managing complex projects, particularly in the water sector, and possess relevant qualifications.

Qualifications

• Proven operational leadership managing multiple complex projects.
• Strong track record in delivering project programs.
• Knowledge of construction law and contractual frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a high-performing team of project managers.
• Support pre-construction planning for new scopes of work.
• Provide oversight for successful project delivery from design to handover.

Skills

Operational leadership

Project delivery

Relationship building

Communication

Efficiency improvement

Education

HNC/HND or degree in engineering

Tools

MS Office

Primavera

Job description

Job Description

Costain has secured extensive work across the water sector this year to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by United Utilities as one of 7 partners to the Enterprise, delivering £5.5bn of projects in the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) between 2025 - 2030, and AMP 9 (2030 - 2035). Our scope includes providing project management, design, construction, and commissioning services on design and build schemes throughout the North West and Cumbria region covered by United Utilities. Projects vary in value, covering both infrastructure and non-infrastructure assets on water and wastewater sites with wider Enterprise partners.

The Senior Project Manager will support the delivery of planned work across the United Utilities (UU) region, developing key relationships within UU operational personnel, supply chain partners, and wider Enterprise Partners. The role requires experience in both design and delivery of water projects, with the successful individual either responsible for one major project or a portfolio of smaller projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage a high-performing team of project managers and delivery teams within your portfolio.
• Support pre-construction planning for new scopes of work.
• Establish and maintain excellent relationships with Costain and client teams.
• Promote a culture of efficiency and continuous improvement within your team and across the framework service.
• Provide oversight and accountability for the successful delivery of projects from design through to handover.
• Champion wellbeing, safety, environmental performance, and compliance, fostering a safety culture aiming for Zero LTI and RIDDOR incidents.
• Collaborate with commercial and supply chain teams to meet performance and financial targets.
• Utilize performance data and digital tools to inform operational decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven operational leadership with experience managing multiple complex projects, preferably in the water sector.
• Strong track record in delivering project programs.
• Knowledge of construction law and contractual frameworks.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in MS Office, project management software (Primavera), and document control systems.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• HNC/HND or degree in engineering or relevant discipline.
• SMSTS qualification; NEC PM accreditation and APMP membership are preferred.

About Us

Costain delivers smart infrastructure solutions across energy, water, transportation, and defense markets in the UK. Our goal is to be the leading smart infrastructure company, focusing on strategic, digitally optimized solutions that improve performance, resilience, and sustainability. We are a Disability Confident employer, providing equal opportunities and support for applicants with disabilities.