Senior Project Manager

This role is based within Esh-Stantec which is a joint venture between Esh Construction and sustainable design and engineering firm, Stantec. Esh-Stantec works in partnership with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) as a Living Water Enterprise supply partner and provides an end-to-end solution for water and wastewater capital infrastructure projects.

About the role:​

We are recruiting a Senior Project Manager who will be responsible for leading the safe, profitable and successful delivery of major civil engineering and infrastructure projects within the Esh-Stantec business, with individual project values up to £60 million. Responsible for the overall management of Design and Construct projects from concept and definition through construction, commissioning and handover.

Working collaboratively with Northumbrian Water Group and the JV design partner, the Senior Project Manager will provide leadership throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring delivery against programme, budget, quality, safety and client expectations. The role will also support work winning activities, bid development, tender interviews and pre-construction planning.

The successful candidate will be accountable for project performance, risk management, commercial success, stakeholder engagement and the leadership of multidisciplinary project teams.

Location:

Bowburn

What we will expect from you:​

• Proven track record in the successful delivery of major civil engineering and infrastructure projects valued between £25m and £100m
• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary project teams through design, procurement, construction and commissioning phases
• Experience delivering projects within collaborative frameworks and alliance environments
• Experience managing multiple project teams and senior project personnel across concurrent schemes
• Desirable experience within the water sector delivering treatment, network and infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of Design and Construct procurement routes

Health, Safety and Environment​

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to achieving excellence in Health, Safety, Environment and Wellbeing performance
• Thorough understanding of CDM Regulations and current construction legislation
• Ensures compliance with all statutory, company and client HSEQ requirements
• Provides visible leadership and promotes a positive safety culture across all project activities
• Leads project teams in the development and implementation of safe systems of work
• Undertakes regular project audits, inspections and leadership tours
• Chairs and contributes to HSEQ meetings, incident investigations and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensures environmental risks and sustainability objectives are effectively managed throughout project delivery

Technical​

• Extensive experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and ensuring design outputs are delivered to programme, budget and quality requirements
• Provides buildability leadership during Concept and Definition and X22 Stage 1 phases
• Reviews and challenges technical solutions to maximise value, efficiency and project outcomes
• Champions innovation, modern methods of construction and continuous improvement initiatives
• Promotes the adoption of new technologies and engineering solutions that improve safety, programme certainty and commercial performance
• Leads technical risk reviews and ensures robust mitigation strategies are implemented
  
• Maintains a strong understanding of relevant industry standards, specifications and best practice

Programme and Progress​

• Leads the development, management and delivery of integrated project programmes
• Reviews, challenges and approves project programmes to ensure they are robust, achievable and aligned with contractual requirements
• Ensures project teams provide timely and accurate programme updates and progress reporting
• Demonstrates strong understanding of programme controls, critical path analysis and project recovery planning
• Has experience managing project delivery using Microsoft Project, Primavera P6 or equivalent planning software
• Ensures appropriate resource planning for direct labour, supply chain partners and subcontractors
• Leads project reviews and drives proactive interventions to maintain programme performance
• Possesses detailed knowledge of NEC contract requirements including programme management, early warnings and compensation events

Commercial​

• Accountable for overall project commercial performance, profitability and cash flow
• Works closely with Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors to ensure robust financial control and accurate forecasting
• Leads the management of risk, opportunity, change control and compensation events
• Demonstrates expert understanding of NEC4 contracts
• Ensures project teams understand contractual obligations and administer contracts effectively
• Reviews and challenges project costs, forecasts and value reporting
• Leads commercial and project performance reviews with senior management
• Presents project performance, risks and recovery plans to Divisional Directors and Executive Leadership Teams
• Supports tender development, bid submissions and tender interviews where required
• Drives value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives to maximise project performance

Business Development​

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with clients, framework partners and key stakeholders
• Represents the business at client meetings, industry forums and stakeholder events
• Identifies opportunities for repeat business and future framework growth
• Understands client needs and seeks to consistently exceed expectations
• Maintains awareness of market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities
• Supports business development initiatives and contributes to work-winning strategies

Quality​

• Champions quality excellence and right-first-time delivery
• Ensures project quality plans are implemented and maintained
• Leads project quality reviews and internal audits
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and lessons learned
• Ensures project teams deliver fully compliant and auditable records
• Supports the development and performance management of project personnel through regular appraisals, coaching and development planning
• Drives continuous improvement in project delivery standards across the business

What to Expect from us:

At Esh, our values shape the way we work every day — and you can expect to see them in action from the moment you join us.

• Care: We prioritise your wellbeing and development, offering a supportive environment where you’re encouraged to grow, learn, and bring your best self to work
• Trust: You’ll have the autonomy to take ownership of your work, with managers who believe in your abilities and are there to support you when needed
• Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option. You can rely on open, honest communication and fair decision making
• Respect: We value diverse perspectives and create a workplace where everyone is listened to, valued, and treated with dignity
• Working Together: Collaboration is at the heart of how we operate. You’ll join a team that celebrates shared success and supports one another to achieve great results

Together, these values create a workplace where people feel welcome, trusted, appreciated, and proud to be part of the team.

Qualifications:​

• Degree, HNC or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline
• CSCS Black Card
• SMSTS
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Membership of a Professional Body (ICE, CIOB, APM or equivalent) desirable
• Chartered status or working towards Chartered status desirable
• APM PMQ, NEC Accreditation or equivalent project management qualification desirable
• Demonstrable leadership and management development training

Attributes & Skills:

• Provides strong leadership and direction to multidisciplinary project teams
• Motivates, develops and empowers others to achieve exceptional project outcomes
• Builds high-performing teams and promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Demonstrates excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with clients, consultants, supply chain partners and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrates sound judgement and strategic decision-making capabilities
• Champions equality, diversity and inclusion across the workplace
• Actively supports succession planning and the development of future leaders within the business