Trainee Project Manager

Alternative Networks (now part of Daisy Group); Bury St Edmunds; Hybrid; GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure solutions provider is seeking a Trainee Project Manager to support the delivery of their Capital Investment Programme. The ideal candidate will work closely with Project Managers, assist in reporting, and learn through structured training. This permanent position offers a salary of £46,164 and a bonus scheme, with blended working options available post-probation. The role presents an excellent opportunity for career progression within a reputable organization committed to equal employment opportunity.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private Medical Cover

Reservist Leave

Personal Pension Plan

Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme

Tax‑efficient benefits

Occupational Health support

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Exposure/practical experience of LV/HV or EHV electrical distribution network is desirable.
• Working towards membership of a professional institute such as IEE, ICE, APM or equivalent (or can demonstrate progress towards said membership).
• Safety Management CSCS / IOSH preferred but not essential.
• Demonstrable work experience in a project delivery capacity desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support Project Managers and Programme Managers in delivering the Capital Investment Programme.
• Assist in delivery plans, understanding contract resources and ensuring project timelines.
• Provide support in monthly reporting of Projects.
• Lead interdisciplinary meetings on specific projects.
• Help prepare Project Execution Plans and Quality Plans.

Skills

Exposure/practical experience of LV/HV or EHV electrical distribution network

Working towards membership of a professional institute (IEE, ICE, APM)

Safety Management CSCS / IOSH

Demonstrable work experience in project delivery

Job description

81611 - Trainee Project Manager

This Trainee Project Manager will report to the Programme Manager and will work within the Capital Programme based in our Bury St Edmunds office. You will be a permanent employee.

You will attract a salary of £46,164 and a bonus of 3%. This role can also offer blended working after the probationary period (6 months) – 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Close Date: 18/01/2026

We also provide the following additional benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Private Medical Cover / Simply Health.
• Reservist Leave – Additional 18 days full pay and 22 unpaid.
• Personal Pension Plan – Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%).
• Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme, Season Ticket Loan.
• Tax‑efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, and Green Car Leasing Schemes.
• Occupational Health support.
• Switched On – scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers' products.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Job Purpose

As the Trainee Project Manager you will support the Project Managers and Programme Managers in the delivery of the Capital Investment Programme of Projects and Connections projects. You will help deliver work packages within a single project, across several projects, or deliver smaller‑value projects in totality.

You will work through a career pathway to learn both general project management skills and to understand the specific requirements relating to the delivery of projects within the Capital Programme and Procurement team at UK Power Networks. This will include a structured development plan with both formal and on‑the‑job training requirements. Completion of specified learning and experience as a Trainee Project Manager will qualify you to progress to the role of Assistant Project Manager. Progression to Assistant Project Manager will be at the discretion of the Portfolio Manager following periodic assessments.

The Two Phases Of Development Represent

• Initial familiarisation and learning with no autonomous responsibilities for project delivery.
• Phased introduction to managing with sole responsibility for defined contract, sub‑packages and/or small projects.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provide regular inputs, updates, and participation in Directorate and Local SHEWQT reviews and Local HESECs. Gain knowledge and understanding of Incident Investigation and Site Audit/Inspection regime.
• Assist with the delivery plans and gain an understanding of the direct and indirect contract resources, materials, and services to ensure that project programmes are maintained within time, cost and quality parameters.
• Provide support to the Project / Programme Manager in the monthly reporting of Projects.
• Lead on and facilitate interdisciplinary meetings with internal functions and supply chain on specific work packages or projects.
• Assist in the production of Project Execution Plans (PEPs), Project Quality Plans (PQPs), and Contractual Documents.
• Understand and help prepare monthly reports, including achievement, costs, forecasts, and other requests by the Project / Portfolio Manager.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of how Investment Delivery provides high levels of Customer Service to our internal and external stakeholders, to promote a positive company image and minimise the likelihood of complaints.
• Support in identifying and managing project risks and opportunities, using the procedures, processes and guidance approved by the PMO.
• Work with the Project Manager and the supply chain to ensure important project milestone and business objectives are achieved.
• Assist in production of lessons learned register and communicate lessons learned to team and the wider business.

Nature and Scope

• Gain an understanding of relevant statutory and company environmental, health, safety, sustainability and quality standards, regulations and approved codes of practice requirements.
• Understand all aspects of project delivery including but not limited to quality, cost, budget, governance, health, safety, welfare, quality, and sustainability. Assist with project management duties to support the Project / Programme Manager in delivering large and high‑profile projects, managing several contracts and key stakeholders.
• Develop the technical competencies required for construction and understand how quality assurance is implemented and audited for compliance across projects.
• Develop a clear understanding of contracts and commercial arrangements used to ensure works are completed and costs controlled and develop a clear understanding of the associated commercial processes.
• Gain knowledge on how to identify project risks, develop risk mitigation plans and their implementation during the life cycle of a project.
• Understand the interaction with key internal and external stakeholders to align with the company vision to be a “Respected Corporate Citizen.”
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the CPP delivery process and associated governance, including interaction with the PMO, Procurement and Commercial teams to gain a broader understanding.
• Understand the governance process and budgeting for projects. Includes a placement with the Commercial team and engagement with PMO and Procurement teams.
• Gain knowledge and understanding of the importance of engagement and how this supports the vision of the business.
• Practically demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the project management discipline.

Stakeholder Management

Internal

• Portfolio Manager – will manage the development of the Trainee and assign them to a Programme of works.
• Programme Manager – the Trainee will take daily direction and guidance from the Programme Manager while delivering the projects.
• Project Manager – the Trainee will take daily direction and guidance from the Project Manager while delivering the projects.
• Quantity Surveyor – liaise with the commercial team to ensure data is accurate for project forecasts and expenditure information for reporting.
• P6 Planner – liaise with the planning team to ensure data is accurate for project forecasts and expenditure information for reporting.
• Procurement – liaise with current and future supply chain strategies and representatives for supply of contracts and materials.
• Design Team – consultation with the Design engineers on the specification and design progress for the delivery of the project to time, cost and quality of the design deliverables.
• HSEQ Team – ensure safety is at the forefront of the project delivery.
• Asset Management – liaise throughout the project lifecycle to ensure scope and cost are managed and the completed project meets the project mandate.
• Connections Project Manager – liaise with the connections team to assist in the delivery of customer‑funded projects.
• Network Operations – liaise throughout the project lifecycle to ensure the network is not compromised and that the project is delivered in line with operational requirements for the end user.
• Programme Management Office (PMO) – support in the reporting of all project reporting – monthly and yearly expenditure, risk, RIGs, review and acceptance of gate papers to allow project progression within UK Power Networks budget, time and quality parameters.

External

• Local authorities, councils, transport companies, police, residents, businesses.
• Customers and members of the public.
• External designers.
• External Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors.
• Supply chain contractors.
• Landowners.
• Leaseholders.

Skills, Qualification And Experience

• Exposure/practical experience of LV/HV or EHV electrical distribution network (Transmission/DNO/Private Networks) is desirable.
• Working towards membership of a professional institute such as IEE, ICE, APM or equivalent (or can demonstrate progress towards said membership).
• Safety Management CSCS / IOSH preferred but not essential.
• Demonstrable work experience in a project delivery capacity desirable.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Managers and supervisors carry both legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, those under their control and those who might be affected by the work undertaken, i.e. public, visitors and employees of other organisations. This includes briefing individuals working for them and ensuring there is the necessary understanding, competence and application of requirements to work safely and without harming the environment.

Employees will ensure they understand the health and safety risks involved in their work activities and their responsibility to apply the controls needed to manage those risks to acceptable levels. Similarly where work activities can have an adverse impact upon the environment, and where there are legal requirements, employees will understand those impacts and the controls they must ensure are applied.

“If in doubt, ask!”

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace.

If you have any queries in connection to this vacancy or your application, please contact us at [e-mail] quoting the vacancy reference number and a member of the team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.