Major Projects Manager (Utilities/Data Centres) – Northumberland – On-site, 3 days/week – Contract – Day Rate (DOE)
The Role
We are working exclusively with one of the world’s leading data centre developers to find a Major Projects Manager (Utilities) for one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Europe right now. The site just outside Newcastle is among the largest data centres on the continent, drawing on national grid connections at medium to high voltage across a full utilities delivery lifecycle from DNO engagement through to substation construction and commissioning.
This is a client-side contract role reporting directly to the Utilities Director. You will take ownership of managing the Independent Connection Provider (ICP) on behalf of the client, sitting on the other side of the table and holding the supply chain accountable for delivery, programme, and budget. As construction ramps up, the ICP workforce will grow to 30+ personnel. You will not directly line-manage these individuals but you will be the key interface between the client and the ICP, escalating risks and driving resolution.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the ICP relationship on behalf of the company, tracking programme milestones and holding the supply chain accountable for delivery, budget, and quality
- Maintain updated project budgets, schedules, and status reports; review and approve monthly contractor pay applications and negotiate change order requests
- Create and communicate monthly programme and project status updates suitable for senior leadership review
- Contribute to the master development programme for the site, including utilities sequencing and capital budget inputs
- Write scopes of work for utilities-related design, construction, and commissioning services; participate in procurement and cost estimation
- Evaluate and level pricing proposals from the ICP and associated contractors
- Establish and lead OAC (Owner, Architect, Contractor) meetings representing the company utilities interests
- Monitor project budget and cost-to-date against the overall programme, flagging variances early
- Attend site a minimum of three days per week during active construction phases
What We Are Looking For
- Demonstrable experience working with or managing an ICP, ideally on HV or grid-scale infrastructure projects
- Background in large, complex project delivery: major power generation (gas, thermal, renewables), large civils, or national grid infrastructure are all relevant
- Proven ability to manage project budgets, review contractor applications for payment, and negotiate change orders
- Experience producing programme and budget reporting for senior stakeholders
- Comfort operating on the client side and managing a supply chain through the construction phase
- Understanding of DNO processes, substation construction, and utility connection sequencing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience in OAC or equivalent client-side meetings
- Ability to be on site near Newcastle three days per week
Engagement Terms
- Minimum 20 hours per week, with expectation of higher hours during active build phases
- Initial term: 6 months, with strong likelihood of extension
- Day rate: competitive, subject to experience
- Start: ASAP
If this is of interest, please apply directly. Contact with any question.
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