Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Manager

Location: Cambridgeshire

Project Manager - Highways Freelance Areas 6 & 8 500- 550 per day Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of highways and civil engineering projects across Areas 6 & 8.This is a freelance opportunity suited to someone who can take full ownership of project performance, including programme, commercial management, risk, and stakeholder engagement. You will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in line with contractual requirements.

Key Responsibilities Project Delivery & Leadership

• Take full accountability for the end-to-end delivery of multiple highways schemes
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams including Site Managers, Engineers, and subcontractors
• Ensure alignment between site operations, programme milestones, and commercial objectives
• Drive delivery against key performance indicators and contractual commitments

Programme Management

• Develop, manage, and maintain detailed project programmes using P6 or MS Project
• Monitor progress against milestones and implement corrective actions where required
• Identify delays and drive recovery plans to maintain project timelines
• Provide accurate progress reporting to internal and external stakeholders

Commercial & Contract Management

• Manage projects under NEC contracts, ensuring compliance and effective administration
• Lead on compensation events, variations, and change control processes
• Monitor project costs, budgets, and forecasts
• Work closely with commercial teams to optimise financial performance

Risk & Governance

• Identify, assess, and manage project risks and opportunities
• Ensure effective governance, reporting, and audit readiness
• Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting structures

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Lead the implementation of health, safety, and environmental standards
• Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and client requirements
• Promote a strong safety culture across all project teams

Quality Management

• Ensure all works meet required technical specifications and quality standards
• Oversee inspection, testing, and handover processes
• Drive continuous improvement and resolution of defects

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, National Highways, and local authorities
• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Lead project meetings and provide clear performance updates
• Manage expectations and minimise disruption to stakeholders and the public

Requirements Essential

• Proven experience as a Project Manager within highways or civil engineering
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts
• Experience working on National Highways frameworks
• Strong programme management skills (P6 or MS Project)
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, and reporting
• Excellent stakeholder and client management skills
• SMSTS
• CSCS Card (Manager level)
• First Aid at Work
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline
• Experience delivering major infrastructure or highways projects
• Temporary Works Coordinator certification
• Experience across full project lifecycle (pre-construction to completion)