Senior Project Manager - Water

Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead water projects across the UK, with a focus on Detailed Design for Contractors within the D&B environment. You will own from feasibility through to close-out, managing scope, programme, budget and client relationships.

The role requires 7+ years in water engineering, NEC awareness, and a degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering. Travel to sites and the Dublin head office up to twice per month is expected, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience in water engineering, including at least 3 years managing water projects with responsibility for scope, programme, budget, resources and client relationships.
• Familiarity with NEC Contracts is desirable
• Proven experience managing water projects and taking ownership of scope, programme, budget and resources.
• Experience delivering water projects such as treatment plants, pumping stations, treated water storage reservoirs, pipelines or water networks, with a strong understanding of feasibility, design, procurement and construction delivery.
• Strong technical knowledge of water engineering standards, specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing client relationships and communicating project risks and decisions clearly.
• Experience working with water utility companies in the UK or Ireland is desirable.
• Full clean driving license essential, with flexibility to travel regularly to project sites as required.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to integrated project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans covering scope, timelines, programmes, resources and budgets. Oversee technical specifications and contract documents for main works and investigation contracts.
• Manage projects with multidisciplinary teams, allocate work, coordinate design interfaces and ensure projects have the people and resources needed to meet milestones.
• Manage project costs, programme and scope changes. Identify risks, assign mitigation actions and elevate issues that could affect delivery.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients. Agree project objectives, manage expectations and work with stakeholders and regulators to meet applicable standards and approval requirements.
• Report on progress, costs, programme and risks to clients, senior leadership and project teams. Maintain accurate records of decisions, actions and changes.
• Visit project sites as required to oversee works, attend client meetings and carry out inspections. Travel to Dublin head office as required, up to twice per month.
• Lead post‑project reviews to capture lessons for future projects.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support project delivery and reflect the evolving needs of the business.

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Job description

About The Company

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team.

The Vacancy

About The Company

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team.

Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 17,000 employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

About The Role

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of water projects (both infra and non-infra) across the UK with a particular focus on Detailed Design for Contractors within the D&B environment, as well as opportunities to support the wider international team. You will take ownership of projects from the initial brief through feasibility, design, procurement, construction and close‑out, managing scope, programme, budget, resources and quality.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans covering scope, timelines, programmes, resources and budgets. Oversee technical specifications and contract documents for main works and investigation contracts.
• Manage projects with multidisciplinary teams, allocate work, coordinate design interfaces and ensure projects have the people and resources needed to meet milestones.
• Manage project costs, programme and scope changes. Identify risks, assign mitigation actions and elevate issues that could affect delivery.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients. Agree project objectives, manage expectations and work with stakeholders and regulators to meet applicable standards and approval requirements.
• Report on progress, costs, programme and risks to clients, senior leadership and project teams. Maintain accurate records of decisions, actions and changes.
• Visit project sites as required to oversee works, attend client meetings and carry out inspections. Travel to Dublin head office as required, up to twice per month.
• Lead post‑project reviews to capture lessons for future projects.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support project delivery and reflect the evolving needs of the business.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience in water engineering, including at least 3 years managing water projects with responsibility for scope, programme, budget, resources and client relationships.
• Familiarity with NEC Contracts is desirable
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience managing water projects and taking ownership of scope, programme, budget and resources.
• Experience delivering water projects such as treatment plants, pumping stations, treated water storage reservoirs, pipelines or water networks, with a strong understanding of feasibility, design, procurement and construction delivery.
• Strong technical knowledge of water engineering standards, specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing client relationships and communicating project risks and decisions clearly.
• Experience working with water utility companies in the UK or Ireland is desirable.
• Full clean driving license essential, with flexibility to travel regularly to project sites as required.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to integrated project delivery.

About Us

Our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that transform communities and bring about lasting positive change. Through a blend of expertise, innovation and global dedication, we envision a world where sustainable engineering protects growing communities.

Nicholas O’Dwyer provides professional services in engineering design, project management, environment and planning, construction supervision and technical and contract advisory. We are one of the most respected Irish consultancies operating in local and international markets, providing professional services to public‑ and private‑sector clients.

Whether in Ireland, the UK or internationally, we understand and solve major challenges associated with delivering and adapting infrastructure for an increasing global population while maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations.

Nicholas O’Dwyer is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people‑first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?