Specialist Construction Project Manager

BAE Systems Canada; Preston; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Preston is looking for a Specialist Construction Project Manager to oversee facility upgrades and new industrial buildings. The role involves strategic project management from design to construction, compliance with health and safety legislation, and contract negotiation. Ideal candidates will have a degree in construction or related field, with experience in large-scale development. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of employee benefits, including flexible health plans and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible discounted health and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in leading large-scale development within the built environment.
• Knowledge of construction and/or manufacturing plant & equipment installations.
• Experience of managing contractors in compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead project phases following the RIBA Plan of Work.
• Ensure projects are delivered according to quality procedures.
• Manage and motivate assigned staff.

Skills

Leadership in large-scale development

Contract management

Negotiation and conflict resolution

Risk management

Education

Degree or HNC/D in Construction or Building Services

Tools

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations knowledge

JCT and NEC contracts knowledge

Job description

Job title: Specialist Construction Project Manager

Location: Warton / Samlesbury - Onsite

Salary: £54,793+ depending on experience

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading all project phases following the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work and ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with company and departmental quality procedures
• Leading a diverse internal network of teams and external customers
• Leading, developing and motivating assigned staff to ensure they are aware of and capable of meeting their accountabilities
• Interpreting the complex customer requirements, supporting preparation of designs, implementing plans, specification approvals and financial business cases
• Procuring, collaborating and driving multi-discipline professional consultant teams in respect of the development of facilities including new buildings, major building refurbishments and large scale utility infrastructure upgrades
• Safe management and co‑ordination of onsite contractor activities (including duties such as Authorising Permits to Work)
• Taking responsibility for all installations in accordance with the current company, statutory health & safety legislation, building control and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM)
• Delivering best value and customer satisfaction by managing & growing relationships with a range of suppliers
• Providing budgetary and financial control, including oversight of other team members working within your control. Monitoring progress & costs and ensuring the project reflects the contract particulars during all stages
• Managing payment schedules, claims and variations in accordance with the construction contract

Your skills and experiences:

• Experience in leading large‑scale development within the built environment
• Degree or HNC / D qualified in Construction or Building Services is ideal, however other disciplines and experience within the Built Environment may be considered (eg. Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Construction Project Management, Building Services, Energy and Sustainability, Construction Development Management, Real Estate Planning and Master Planning etc).
• Knowledge of construction and / or manufacturing plant & equipment installations
• Experience of managing contractors in full compliance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations
• Contract Management & Construction Law knowledge - Familiarity with various construction contracts such as JCT, NEC & associated special conditions with an ability to negotiate terms and conditions that protect the organisation while maintaining good working relationships
• Risk Management - an ability to identify, mitigate and manage contractual risk including delay, penalties, cost overruns and disputes
• Negotiation and conflict resolution - an ability to handle disagreements between stakeholder effectively and ensure issues are resolved amicably while protecting project integrity

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Investment Projects Team

As a Specialist Construction Project Manager, you will act as a client‑side project manager to ensure successful delivery of the design, planning and construction of a wide range of building, facility upgrade and estates projects across the BAE Systems sites. These projects can vary and could include; key infrastructure upgrades, utilities installation or removal, building refurbishments, new buildings and installation of plant & equipment to provide manufacturing capability.

This role will provide you with a variety of work across our manufacturing business, set within our large secure industrial sites. This role could involve occasional travel within the UK. Overseas opportunities may arise if deemed necessary in the design or delivery of a project and is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge & experience.

In this role, you will make your mark from day one as you, the project lead, develop and lead the successful delivery of the design, planning and construction of a wide range of facility projects across the BAE Systems sites. You will enjoy a diverse workday as you get involved in large scale redevelopment across our sites, which will predominately include new industrial buildings, major building refurbishments and large scale utility infrastructure upgrades including plant and equipment installations.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 14 th August 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.