Visitor Centre Senior Project Manager

Matchtech; Havant; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee the delivery of a new visitor centre at Havant Thicket Reservoir. This permanent role requires the ideal candidate to be at the site at least three days a week. You will manage the project's entire lifetime, from design to construction and daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards. With a base salary of £76,000–£86,000 and substantial benefits, this role offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Excellent water company pension (up to 15%)

Up to 6% company discretionary bonus

Private medical

Qualifications

• More than 10 years of experience in design and construction management.
• Experience of leading design and build projects.
• NEC contract management experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as NEC Project Manager for the Visitor Centre design and construction contracts.
• Lead and coordinate the multidisciplinary project team.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant planning, environmental, and statutory regulations.

Skills

Strong communication and team leadership skills

Good analytical skills

Risk management techniques

Knowledge of construction materials and processes

Proficiency with Excel/PowerPoint/Word/Teams

Contract Management Software experience

Chartered with a relevant institution

Project management qualification (PRINCE, APM or PMI)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Senior Project Manager – Visitor Centre, Havant Thicket Reservoir

Our Water company client are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead delivery of a new visitor centre at the Havant Thicket Reservoir on the South Coast.

The role is a permanent position with the ideal candidate able to be on site 3 days a week minimum.

Our client are looking to create a visitor centre that reflects the beauty and importance of a landmark reservoir build project – a place where the community can connect with nature, learn about water sustainability, and enjoy the surrounding environment.

You will guide the project through every stage – from design and procurement to construction and smooth transition into daily operations. Before work begins, a comprehensive site management plan will be established to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental care throughout the build.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as NEC Project Manager for the Visitor Centre design and construction contracts, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality.
• Oversee all project phases – design development, planning application, construction, commissioning, and handover into operations.
• Lead and coordinate the multidisciplinary project team, including QS, H&S, PMO, design, planning, procurement, finance, and commercial functions.
• Champion health, safety, wellbeing, quality, and environmental performance across all project activities.
• Scrutinise contractor submissions such as payment applications, programmes, compensation events, and early warnings.
• Chair coordination meetings with designers, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage key stakeholder relationships, securing agreement on project delivery plans and communicating progress clearly.
• Represent client at stakeholder and public consultation meetings, ensuring transparency and collaboration.
• Work with consultancy and local council partners (client Operations team, Forestry England, Hampshire County Council, LPAs) to develop the Site Management and Recreation Plans.
• Plan and manage the transition into operations, including team mobilisation and procurement of operational contracts.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant planning, environmental, and statutory regulations, including CDM, Building Regulations, and Section 106 agreements.
• Provide regular progress reporting and governance papers to support informed decision-making and maintain project accountability.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Strong communication and team leadership skills.
• Good analytical skills with the ability to review and write technical specifications, procurement strategies, business cases, decision support papers and progress reports.
• Strong appreciation of risk management techniques, with experience of managing budgets for construction projects.
• Good knowledge of construction materials, processes and equipment.
• Proficiency with Excel/PowerPoint/Word/Teams.
• Experience of using Contract Management Software would be an advantage.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field of study.
• More than 10 years of experience in design and construction management.
• Experience of leading design and build projects.
• NEC contract management experience is essential.
• Chartered with a relevant institution e.g. MICE, MIET.
• Project management qualification (PRINCE, APM or PMI).
• Retail, catering or visitor facilities experience would be an advantage.
• Full driving licence.

Benefits

• £76‑86k base salary.
• 3 or 4 days based on site with some flex around home life.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Excellent water company pension (up to 15%).
• Up to 6% company discretionary bonus.
• Private medical.