We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of a flagship £200m+ wastewater infrastructure programme within a long-term Tier 1 capital delivery framework in the water sector. This is a highly visible senior leadership role with end‑to‑end accountability for project outcomes, including safety, programme, cost, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.
The role has primary responsibility for a major Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) upgrade programme at Poole while also providing leadership and support across the wider framework portfolio as required. You will operate as a client‑facing leader, setting delivery standards, driving performance, and shaping outcomes across a complex, multi‑disciplinary supply chain.
This position suits an individual with a strong background in major civil engineering and regulated infrastructure environments, comfortable operating at the interface of client, designer, contractor, and supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Programme Leadership
- Provide full lifecycle hands on and visible leadership from concept and design through construction, commissioning, and handover.
- Lead the delivery of a complex, multi‑workstream infrastructure project within a highly regulated environment.
- Establish and maintain robust project governance, ensuring compliance with framework, client, and regulatory requirements.
- Act as the senior point of escalation for all project performance matters.
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)
- Take clear ownership of SHEQ performance, promoting a proactive, values‑led safety culture across the project and supply chain.
- Ensure all works are delivered in full compliance with statutory obligations, company standards, and client requirements.
- Lead by example through visible safety leadership on site and in project forums.
Commercial & Risk Management
- Own the commercial strategy for the project, working closely with commercial and planning teams to maintain cost certainty and predictability.
- In conjunction with the commercial team manage procurement strategies, contract administration, change control and forecasting in line with framework agreements (e.g. NEC).
- Lead the identification, mitigation, and management of project risks and opportunities.
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with the client, regulators, key stakeholders, and internal leadership.
- Represent the programme at client, governance and assurance meetings.
- Ensure effective stakeholder engagement, including coordination with operational teams and third parties.
Leadership & People
- Lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary project team.
- Set clear expectations and standards of accountability, performance, and behaviour.
- Foster collaboration across design, construction, commercial and supply chain partners.
- Support succession planning and the development of future project leaders within the framework.
Performance, Reporting & Assurance
- Ensure accurate, timely and transparent reporting of project(s) performance (cost, value, programme, schedule, risk and delivery confidence).
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in delivery methods, digital tools and processes.
- Contribute to framework‑level performance reviews and lessons learned.
Essential Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Civil Engineering qualified or a related engineering or construction discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Significant experience operating at Senior Project Manager level on complex, multi‑disciplinary infrastructure projects.
- Civil Engineering Contractor Experience.
- Proven track record delivering major civil engineering or water sector programmes valued at £25m+ per annum.
- Strong understanding of regulated infrastructure delivery, ideally within the UK water sector and AMP frameworks.
- Demonstrable experience leading large, integrated teams and Tier 1 supply chains.
- Strong commercial acumen, with hands‑on experience of NEC contracts, change control and cost management.
- Excellent communication skills with the credibility to operate at senior client and internal level.
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer (CEng), Member of ICE or similar professional body.
- Formal project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent).
- Experience delivering complex WwTW or heavy civils treatment assets.
- Experience operating within long‑term framework or alliance environments.
Behaviours & Leadership Approach
- Visible, accountable and inclusive senior leader.
- Calm and decisive under pressure, with the ability to manage ambiguity and complexity.
- Challenges constructively and encourages high standards of performance.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions‑focused.
- Committed to developing people and leaving a positive leadership legacy.
What’s In It For You
Alongside our significant training and development investment and bespoke progression plan, as an employee owned company, we offer a wide range of financial, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits that you can tailor to your needs.
To view our full range of benefits, please see the Bentley Benefits brochure attached.
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