Junior Project Manager jobs in United Kingdom

Job Description

Principal Highways Design / Project Manager

Location: Sheffield (Hybrid – 3 days office / 2 days home, flexible)

Salary: £60,000–£76,000 + Car Allowance/EV Scheme + 10% Bonus (flexible for the right candidate)

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Principal Highways Design / Project Manager to join a leading infrastructure provider in Sheffield. This client-facing role sits at the heart of a major highways framework, acting as the bridge between local authority stakeholders, consulting engineers, and in-house delivery teams. You’ll oversee the full project lifecycle — from design reviews through to contract administration — ensuring complex highways projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on highways projects, from smaller £50k schemes through to multi-million-pound programmes.
• Act as the primary client interface, providing confidence and clarity.
• Oversee design reviews, ensuring outputs are viable and compliant.
• Manage NEC Option C contracts, target costs, and commercial elements.
• Provide leadership to a team of ~8–9 staff, 3 supervisors, and subcontracted operatives.
• Support estimating, commercial control, and programme delivery.
• Drive collaboration across consulting teams, supervisors, and operatives.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong background in highways (essential).
• Experience in major projects and project management.
• Knowledge of NEC Option C contracts (target cost).
• Ability to read and review design drawings.
• Consultancy or contractor background – open to both.
• Degree in Civil Engineering (, but not essential).
• A steady, confident communicator with client-facing experience.

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £60k–£76k (flexible for the right person).
• Bonus: 10% annual performance bonus (based on H&S, financial & group targets).
• Car / EV scheme: £5,916 car allowance, or electric vehicle with EV pod installation.
• Hybrid working: 3 days office, 2 days home.
• Exciting portfolio of projects ranging from £50k to £100m.
• Inclusive, supportive culture where everyone “mucks in” and works as one team.

Why Apply?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking infrastructure business delivering essential highways improvements across the region, with long-term opportunities for growth and career development.