Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Manager

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* Summary:

** We're looking for a proactive and experienced Project Manager to join our team and help us deliver a diverse range of clean water infrastructure projects.
You'll be at the heart of our mission to provide a reliable, clean water supply to our customers. This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of projects from start to finish—from upgrading treatment works and installing new pipelines to maintaining reservoirs and improving pumping stations. You’ll be managing contracts and ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely, and on time. We're a company that values expertise and innovation, and your work will be vital in helping us meet the challenges of the future.
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* Main responsibilities:

**** Project Delivery
* Manage the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure for assigned clean water infrastructure projects.

Contract Management (NEC Focus)
* Lead the administration and management of contracts, primarily under the NEC3/NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) framework.
* Manage  contract award, and subsequent contract administration activities.
* Ensure contractual compliance by all parties (Client, Contractor, Designer).
* Oversee contract change control processes and manage final accounts.

Scope & Schedule Management
* Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables. Develop and manage detailed project schedules and work plans, tracking progress and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Budget & Cost Control
* Develop project budgets, monitor expenditure, forecast costs, and manage financial performance to ensure delivery within approved funding.

Risk & Opportunity Management
* Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.

Stakeholder Engagement
* Liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including operations teams, engineering/design consultants, contractors, regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofwat, Environment Agency, DWI), customers, and local authorities. To maintain and enhance the reputation of South East Water.

Quality Assurance
* Ensure all project deliverables meet required technical specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements specific to the water industry.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
* To take a lead on the safe delivery of projects and contribute to the continuous improvement of the delivery team's safety culture. Champion a strong HSE culture. Ensure all project activities comply with company policies, CDM regulations, and relevant environmental legislation.

Reporting
* Provide regular and accurate project progress reports, highlighting key achievements, risks, issues, and financial status to senior management and stakeholders. To develop, present and gain corporate approval for project or sub-programme business cases, in line with the Company's governance processes.

Team Leadership & Coordination
* Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (internal staff, consultants, contractors) to achieve project objectives. Foster a collaborative and performance-driven project environment.
** You'll need:*
* ** Skills / Qualifications / Experience
*** Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
* NEC Accreditation:
Must hold NEC3 or NEC4 Project Manager Accreditation (ECC). Alternatively, provide evidence of extensive, hands-on experience successfully managing multiple projects as a Project Manager under NEC3/NEC4 ECC conditions.
* Proven ability to manage complex infrastructure projects through the entire lifecycle. Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills.
* Demonstrable, in-depth understanding and practical application of the NEC3/NEC4 ECC suite is essential. Ability to interpret contractual requirements and manage contractual processes effectively and fairly.
* Good understanding of civil engineering, M&E, or process principles, ideally within the water/wastewater sector. Ability to understand technical drawings and specifications.
* Strong budget management, cost control, and financial forecasting skills.
* Proficient in identifying, assessing, and managing project risks and opportunities.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build strong relationships and effectively influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
* Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate project teams.
* Strong understanding and commitment to health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices, including CDM regulations.
* Competent in using project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and standard office software (MS Office Suite, Google Workspace).
* Significant, proven experience managing infrastructure projects, preferably within the utilities, civil engineering, or construction sectors of the water…