Senior Project Manager (Water Industry)

South Staffs Water; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A water utility company in the UK seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of critical infrastructure projects. You will manage stakeholder engagement, ensure projects meet their deadlines and budgets, and drive innovation within the team. Ideal candidates will have strong qualifications in project management, proven experience with NEC4 contracts, and excellent leadership skills. A competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Company car allowance

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension with employer contributions

24-hour helpline for financial and legal advice

Eyecare vouchers

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

24/7 remote GP access

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years post-graduate experience in project management, ideally within capital investment programmes.
• Proven experience in administering and managing contracts under the NEC4 suite.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of capital and strategic projects to ensure adherence to timeframes, budgets, and quality.
• Lead stakeholder engagement to integrate business objectives and client expectations.
• Drive innovation to optimize capital and operational efficiency.

Skills

Contract management

Project management

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree-qualified and professionally certified (e.g., PMP, APM, PRINCE2)

Job description

Job Title: Senior Project Manager (Water Industry)   Salary: To £65,000 Dependant upon skills and experience   Hours: 37 hours per week   Location: Cambridge / Walsall

Imagine leading the charge on projects that don't just meet expectations but redefine them. As a Senior Project Manager with South Staffs Water, you'll orchestrate the delivery of critical infrastructure with precision and purpose. From balancing stakeholder priorities to navigating complex challenges, you'll be trusted to turn strategy into tangible success while championing innovation, efficiency, and teamwork every step of the way.

Overview

At South Staffs Water, we deliver clean and reliable water supplies to around 1.7 million customers within the South Staffs and Cambridge regions. As a water only Company, providing clean, healthy water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is at the very heart of what we do and that\'s where you come in.

The Role

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking team as a Senior Project Manager with South Staffs Water, where you\'ll play a key leadership role in delivering complex capital projects and driving operational excellence. Acting as a linchpin between stakeholders, strategy, and on-the-ground execution, you\'ll ensure projects are delivered to scope, time, and budget, while fostering innovation, efficiency, and continual improvement across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of capital and strategic projects, ensuring adherence to agreed timeframes, budgets, and quality standards
• Lead stakeholder engagement to ensure seamless integration of business objectives, client expectations, and team capabilities
• Guide and mentor project managers and stakeholders on best practices, procedures, and continuous improvement
• Drive innovation to optimise capital and operational efficiency (capex/opex)
• Translate complex client requirements into practical and profitable project solutions
• Manage financial planning and risk for individual projects and the wider programme
• Support departmental recognition and continuous development through industry benchmarks and CPD

What You\'ll Need

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in administering and managing contracts under the NEC4 suite, including handling early warnings, compensation events, and programme management in line with contractual obligations.
• Minimum 5-10 years post-graduate experience in project management, ideally within capital investment programmes
• Degree-qualified and professionally certified (e.g., PMP, APM, PRINCE2) or equivalent track record of exceptional performance
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills; able to work autonomously with minimal direction
• In-depth understanding of commercial contracting, business systems, and regulatory environments
• Proven success managing complex financial issues and delivering client-focused solutions
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal agility, comfortable engaging with all levels internally and externally
• Experienced in project delivery methodology and developing collaborative supply chain relationships
• Lateral thinking and a flexible, proactive approach to solving business problems
• Willingness to travel regionally, nationally, or internationally as needed

What You\'ll Get in Return

• A competitive salary plus benefits
• Company car allowance
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company pension with employer contributions
• 24-hour helpline providing free and confidential advice to you and your family on financial, legal, marital, and health matters
• Eyecare vouchers - via Specsavers
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• 24/7 remote GP access