Project Manager

Fawkes and Reece; Wickford (RI); On-site; USD 108,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Lead major school project

Long-term career opportunities

Job summary

Fawkes and Reece is seeking a freelance hands-on Project Manager to take ownership of a new build school/academy for circa 100 weeks on a site-based basis in Essex. You will report to a Contracts Manager who visits weekly and manage day-to-day site activities, coordination of subcontractors, and the project programme to meet milestones.

You will ensure safety, quality and budget compliance, engage with clients and consultants, chair meetings, and drive the project toward successful handover and

Qualifications

• Experienced Project Manager with strong construction knowledge.
• Confident managing subcontractors and multiple trades.
• Highly organised with excellent planning and communication skills.
• Commercially aware, able to manage programme, cost, quality and risk.

Responsibilities

• Take day-to-day responsibility for the construction project on site.
• Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and site personnel.
• Develop and maintain the construction programme, ensuring milestones are met.
• Monitor progress, productivity, quality, and costs on site.
• Coordinate activities per drawings and specifications, standards.
• Regularly liaise with client, architects, engineers and stakeholders.
• Attend and chair site, progress and coordination meetings.
• Identify and resolve construction issues promptly and effectively.
• Oversee health and safety and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Maintain site records, reports, programmes and documentation.
• Manage variations, delays and risks with the commercial team.
• Ensure delivery of a high-quality finished school ready for handover.
• Coordinate commissioning, snagging, testing and final handover.

Skills

Construction knowledge

Subcontractor coordination

Planning & scheduling

Health & safety

Client & stakeholder communication

Job description

Reference: DI PM 10 08_1786364619
Posted: August 10, 2026

• I've been tasked to find a freelance hands on Project Manager to take ownership of a new build school/academy for a reputable main contractor on a freelance basis for circa 100 weeks, in Essex.
• This is a site-based role requiring a strong construction professional who can take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the project, ensuring it is delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• It's a fantastic way to get yourself into a reputable main contractor with one of the largest order books in the UK right now.

About the project:

• The project is a new build school worth circa £65m, including a new car park. The school is steel frame with a brick work façade, it is currently at ground works stage and due to a large order book the existing Project Manager has been tasked to build another project.
• You’ll be required to report to a Contracts Manager who will visit once a week.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall day-to-day responsibility for the construction project on site.
• Manage and coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and site personnel.
• Develop and maintain the construction programme, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Monitor progress, productivity, quality and costs throughout the project.
• Coordinate site activities and ensure works are carried out in accordance with drawings, specifications and agreed standards.
• Liaise regularly with the client, architects, engineers, consultants and project stakeholders.
• Chair and attend site meetings, progress meetings and coordination meetings.
• Identify and resolve construction issues promptly and effectively.
• Manage health and safety on site and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and company procedures.
• Maintain accurate site records, reports, programmes and project documentation.
• Manage variations, delays, risks and potential commercial issues in conjunction with the commercial team.
• Ensure the completed school is delivered to the required quality and specification and is ready for handover.
• Coordinate commissioning, snagging, testing, certification and final handover.

Requirements for the Project Manager:

• An experienced Project Manager with strong construction knowledge.
• Confident managing subcontractors and multiple trades.
• Highly organised with excellent planning and communication skills.
• Commercially aware and able to manage programme, cost, quality and risk.
• Strong on health and safety and committed to maintaining high site standards.
• Comfortable dealing directly with clients, consultants and senior stakeholders.
• A practical problem solver who can make decisions and keep the project moving.
• Able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Professional, reliable and proactive.

What is being offered

• Competitive salary/package based on experience.
• Opportunity to lead a major school construction project.
• Supportive and professional project team.
• Long-term career opportunities.