Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

ESP is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Project Manager to join its successful business to lead the end-to-end delivery of complex multi-utility infrastructure projects within our Major Projects proposition.

You will be joining a highly successful and growing team, focused on high delivery standards with a customer centric mindset.

This is a senior leadership role aligned to the Association for Project Management (APM) Body of Knowledge 7th Edition and the APM Competence Framework, requiring demonstrable experience managing large-scale programmes under NEC/JCT contractual frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible, amongst other tasks, for:

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and close-out of major multi-utility infrastructure projects (HV/LV, Potable Water, Wastewater, CEP District Heating/Cooling, EV installations), applying the APM project lifecycle model from concept through to handover.
• Develop and maintain integrated delivery programmes with critical path analysis and milestone tracking aligned to the APM Planning, Scheduling, Monitoring and Control competency.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost reporting in line with the APM Budgeting and Cost Management competency, including early identification of compensation events under NEC4 and JCT contracts.
• Lead multi-stakeholder coordination across clients, statutory undertakers (UKPN, Anglian Water, Network Rail), designers, and subcontractors, demonstrating APM Stakeholder Management competencies.
• Apply structured risk management aligned to the APM Risk Management competency, maintaining live risk registers with quantified impact assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure full CDM 2015 compliance including oversight of Pre-Construction Information, Construction Phase Plans, and the Health and Safety File.
• Manage third-party consents including Network Rail BAPA/APA processes, Section 104/106 adoptions, and NERS/WIRS accreditation compliance.
• Mentor and develop junior project staff, fostering professional development consistent with APM’s emphasis on leadership and people management.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a project delivery role within construction, utilities, or infrastructure sectors.
• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related discipline (or working towards completion).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams) with strong Excel skills including pivot tables, MS Project or P6
• Experience with document management systems and project filing structures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of drafting professional correspondence and meeting minutes.
• Demonstrable organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Advantageous / Desirable

• Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 or JCT contract administration documentation.
• APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) or APM PMQ achieved or willingness to apply.
• SMSTS and CSCS Professional or equivalent
• Knowledge of CDM 2015 administrative requirements.
• Experience working within a PMO or programme environment on major infrastructure projects.
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint administration, collaboration platforms or Power BI.

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