Senior Construction Project Manager
Bridport
Must have strong NEC3 or NEC4 contract experience
£450 a day
4 days a week
IR35 Status: Optional if TAX status allows
Hybrid - Onsite Dorchester/Bridport 2 days a week
Commencing July 26 - 18 month contract
About Us
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities within Dorset Council. Our service is built on our values of being ethical, trustworthy and caring, with profits returned to our Local Authority shareholders.
Project Overview
Construction Value: circa £23m. Dorset Council is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Project Manager to lead the delivery of the Bridport Reablement Centre, a 56‑bed nurse‑led short‑term reablement facility forming part of the Council's wider reablement programme. The project is currently at RIBA Stage 4 completion, with the construction contract due to proceed following Cabinet approval in June 2026. Construction will be delivered under NEC4 ECC Option A (Priced Contract with Activity Schedule) with the council's chosen contractor appointed via tender.
The appointed Project Manager will play a critical role in client‑side construction leadership, ensuring the project is delivered safely, on programme, within budget, and in accordance with Dorset Council governance requirements. The Project Manager will lead the contract administration and support the Client Advisor in ensuring design continuity and strategic oversight.
Key Responsibilities - Construction Delivery Leadership
- Lead the client-side management of the construction phase of the Bridport Reablement Centre project.
- NEC Day-to-day liaison with: the Council's Construction Partner as NEC4 Contractor; the Council's retained Quantity Surveyor; novated design consultants (engaged through the Contractor); and Dorset Council programme management consultants.
- Oversee the transition from Stage 4 design completion to Stage 5 construction delivery.
- Ensure works are delivered in accordance with the Employer's Requirements and NEC4 Scope.
- Maintain oversight of programme, cost, risk, and quality throughout the construction phase.
- Governance interfaces: supports CASM and Cabinet reporting cycles; operates within the Council's delegated authority framework for compensation event decisions.
- Relationship to Client Advisor / Design Continuity function: the NEC4 PM is responsible for contract administration; a separate Client Advisor role holds design continuity and strategic oversight. The PM should work in close co-ordination with that function, escalating design disputes and CDP concerns as required.
Project Management Responsibilities
- Assess and respond to Compensation Event notifications within contractual timescales.
- Review and accept the Contractor's Programme.
- Manage the Early Warning process and maintain the risk register.
- Issue Project Manager instructions where changes to scope are required.
- Review and accept Contractor Design Portion (CDP) submissions.
- Certify payments in accordance with the Activity Schedule.
- The contractors are using Sypro as the change management system for compensation events, early warnings and programme records; the Project Manager would be required to administer this system.
Commercial and Risk Management
- Monitor project costs against the approved budget and cost plan.
- Work closely with the Council's independent Quantity Surveyor to review compensation events and cost reporting.
- Scrutinise contractor valuations and ensure robust commercial governance.
- Maintain and manage the Compensation Event Register and Early Warning Register.
Programme Control
- Monitor contractor programmes and ensure delivery milestones are achieved.
- Manage key programme risks including power supply upgrades, site logistics and highway approvals.
- Ensure alignment with Dorset Council governance and Cabinet reporting requirements.
Design Continuity and Quality
- Ensure the design intent agreed at Stage 4 design freeze is maintained during construction.
- Review contractor design proposals to ensure alignment with the approved technical design.
- Coordinate with retained design consultants where required.
Governance and Reporting
- Provide regular project reporting to Dorset Council senior leadership and governance groups.
- Support reporting requirements for Corporate Strategic Asset Management Group (CASM) and Cabinet.
- Maintain transparent reporting on cost, programme and risk.
Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with Dorset Council sponsors, programme management consultants and the construction partner.
- Coordinate with design consultants, cost consultants, planning authorities and other stakeholders.
- Maintain effective communication across the full project team.
Essential Experience
- Experience managing construction projects valued at £20m+.
- Strong NEC3 or NEC4 contract experience.
- Delivery of complex projects through RIBA Stage 5 construction.
- Experience in Design & Build procurement routes.
- Experience working on public sector or local authority projects.
Desirable Experience
- Healthcare or care facility projects.
- Experience working with CCS frameworks.
- Experience within Cabinet-level governance environments.
- Knowledge of BREEAM or sustainability requirements.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
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