Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Management

Job Description

National Highways is excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Project Manager to join our team. As a Project Manager, you will play a vital role in ensuring new developments in our East region are well located and planned for and that they work harmoniously with the communities and environments surrounding them. Through building trusted relationships and understanding the needs of our key stakeholders, you will collaborate with local partners, developers, consultants and internal technical specialists in identifying the transport impact of our future projects and the works needed to mitigate any impact.

Your expertise will be key to achieving agreed outcomes while adhering to policy and statutory responsibilities.

This role can be based from our Bedford, Cambridge or Ipswich office.

• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, consultants, developers and internal technical specialists to develop the National Highways response to planning applications and Local Plans ensuring safety and minimal congestion on the Strategic Road Network.
• Lead programme management, financial reporting and risk management against budgets, ensuring robust financial and contractual practices are in place and adhered to by all project resources.
• Ensure National Highways reputation is maintained throughout delivery of its statutory duties related to planning applications and Local Plans.
• Proactively identify and drive opportunities for NEC contract management improvements and implement required changes in own area of responsibility: champion and share best practices across the planning community.
• Manage and evaluate risks, issues, dependencies and constraints associated with the portfolio, leading the development and implementation of solutions to overcome these.

• Proven experience in building and managing relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful and collaborative outcomes.
• Experience in town planning – ideally gained within a development management environment and through involvement in Local Plan preparation – is desirable.
• Experience managing NEC contracts, supported by knowledge of project management practices, processes, and controls.
• Strong ability to review and interpret technical documents, working with internal and external specialists to identify key information and coordinate planning policy compliant responses.
• Recognised qualification in relevant engineering discipline or significant experience in the delivery of Civil Engineering projects and portfolios.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We offer many different ways to work flexibly and are open to discuss part‑time working, job shares, and flexible start and finish times. Please note flexibility queries should be addressed after the interview stage.

• Our total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonus.
• Contributory pension scheme with employer contribution of up to 10%.
• Annual leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays).
• Flexible hours and an approach driven by connected and sustainable working which includes hybrid working.
• Life assurance of 4 times annual salary.
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days and a network of mental health first aiders. Plus access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self‑care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccines.
• A cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travel.
• Significant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on‑job experience.
• Family friendly with enhanced maternity leave and pay, paternity leave (15 days), shared parental leave, adoption leave and access to financial support for holiday play schemes and paid special leave (up to 5 days per annum), e.g. for caring responsibilities.
• Money friendly with access to a discounts platform including over 3000 discounts for supermarkets, eating out, leisure, holidays, alongside a financial wellbeing programme.
• Community friendly – offering paid leave to volunteer, 3 days basic per year.

• Right to work check.
• 3 year employment history references.
• DBS criminal record check.
• Social media and adverse journalism check.
• Driving licence check (if applicable).
• Fit to work questionnaire (for all), followed by a medical check (if applicable).
• Qualifications and/or professional membership check (if applicable).

We reserve the right to close before the advertisement expires.