Senior Project Manager (PMCM Rail)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Gymflex

Wellbeing program

Career development

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Senior Project Manager in its PMCM Rail team to lead the delivery of complex rail projects of regional, national and international significance. You will manage budgets, schedules and risks while coordinating with clients and multidisciplinary teams in modern city-centre offices with flexible hybrid working.

Responsibilities include client liaison, progress reporting, risk mitigation and governance adherence, with NEC3/4 contract knowledge and safety

Qualifications

• Proven safety leadership and CDM compliance.
• Ability to define project scope, goals and deliverables with stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex rail projects and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex rail projects with regional, national and international significance.
• Coordinate disciplines through project meetings and workshops to resolve issues.
• Act as principal client contact during design and construction phases.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Budgeting

Safety leadership

Education

Engineering or management degree

Chartered membership status

Tools

NEC3/4 contract knowledge

Job description

Role Overview

As a Senior Project Manager in the PMCM Rail team you will lead the delivery of complex rail projects of regional, national and international significance. Your responsibilities include ensuring that projects are delivered safely, to a high quality, on time and within budget. You will proactively manage requirements, budgets, schedules and risks, influence stakeholders, and collaborate with external clients and multidisciplinary teams. The position is based in modern UK city‑centre offices with flexible working expectations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate relevant disciplines through project meetings and target‑led workshops to resolve critical issues timely and meet safety, functional and regulatory requirements.
• Establish robust processes and procedures to manage the project in conjunction with the client’s team.
• Act as the principal point of contact for the client, ensuring their needs and expectations are met through both design and construction phases.
• Develop and manage client relationships, employing effective listening and influencing skills.
• Provide monthly project reports and data‑based scenarios to give senior managers clarity of project position.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local authorities and community groups.
• Facilitate regular project meetings, presentations and progress reports.
• Address stakeholder concerns and manage expectations effectively.
• Manage contracts in line with contract rules of engagement (including NEC3/4).
• Control project budgets, including cost estimation, tracking and reporting.
• Optimise resource utilisation and ensure financial performance aligns with project goals.
• Review and approve project expenditures and invoices.
• Manage changes and delays affecting the project, resolving or mitigating them and ensuring continuous improvement of project management processes, e.g. change control.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with design and construction phases and establish suitable risk mitigation measures.
• Create, manage and action RFIs, early warnings and general communications to reduce project risk and ensure successful delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven safety leadership, driving safety performance and compliance with CDM regulations, discharging CDM duties as required by the client.
• Experience ensuring all activities are conducted safely and responsibly, adhering to corporate governance and standards.
• Ability to define project scope, goals and deliverables in collaboration with client and stakeholders.
• Skill in creating, managing and actioning detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation and risk management.
• Experience executing project plans and ensuring adherence to schedules.
• Accountability for project progress, identifying potential issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to drive innovative design and construction solutions and implement processes that enhance efficiency and productivity, evaluating and integrating new technologies.
• Degree in a relevant engineering or management discipline (e.g. project or construction management, engineering, science or building).
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body, or nearing completion of this status is advantageous.
• APM, MSP, PMI, PRINCE2 or Six Sigma certifications are beneficial.
• Experience in project management, including technical, project and project controls.
• Experience delivering client‑side projects (design and build) with significant scope.
• Experience with organisations such as Network Rail, HS2, TfGM and other rail‐related entities is an advantage.
• Proven ability to manage successful workstreams and programmes within a multi‑disciplinary delivery team.
• Demonstrates curiosity, is solution‑focused and responsive to client issues.
• NEC4 Project Manager accreditation.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and encourage the whole self at work, promoting a culture of belonging.

Health & Wellbeing: We support health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments and flexible benefits such as Gymflex and menopause support.

Flex your time: The “WSP My Hour” allows one hour per day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time.

Your development: WSP invests in your growth through training, mentoring and chartership opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.