Project Manager (Highways)
10 days ago
Manchester
Project Manager – Highways & Civil Engineering\n\nJob Summary\n\nResponsible for the successful delivery of highways and civil engineering projects, ensuring works are completed safely, on programme, within budget, and to the required quality standards.\n\nLead and coordinate project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, designers, local authorities, and client representatives to ensure projects are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, technical specifications, and regulatory standards. Responsible for health and safety, quality assurance, environmental compliance, commercial performance, programme management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nHealth, Safety & Environmental Management\n\nTake overall responsibility for health, safety, and environmental performance across assigned projects.\n\nEnsure compliance with relevant legislation, industry standards, and project-specific requirements.\n\nImplement and monitor Risk Assessments, Method Statements (RAMS), Construction Phase Plans, and safe systems of work.\n\nLead site safety initiatives including inductions, toolbox talks, inspections, and audits.\n\nInvestigate incidents, near misses, and non-conformances, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.\n\nEnsure works are carried out with minimal disruption to road users, local communities, and stakeholders.\n\nPromote a positive safety culture throughout project delivery.\n\nProject Delivery & Programme Management\n\nManage highways and civil engineering projects from pre-construction through to completion and handover.\n\nDevelop and maintain project programmes, ensuring milestones and key deliverables are achieved.\n\nCoordinate labour, plant, materials, traffic management, and subcontractor resources.\n\nMonitor project performance and implement recovery plans where required.\n\nEnsure efficient resource utilisation to maximise productivity and project profitability.\n\nManage project risks and identify opportunities for programme and cost improvements.\n\nClient & Stakeholder Management\n\nAct as the primary point of contact for clients, local authorities, consultants, and key stakeholders.\n\nAttend and lead progress meetings, programme reviews, and stakeholder coordination meetings.\n\nMaintain regular communication regarding project progress, risks, changes, and key milestones.\n\nManage technical queries, instructions, compensation events, and project correspondence.\n\nBuild and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat business opportunities.\n\nCommercial & Contract Management\n\nSupport the commercial management of projects, including cost control, forecasting, and reporting.\n\nMonitor project budgets and ensure financial performance targets are achieved.\n\nIdentify and manage variations, change control, and compensation events.\n\nWork closely with commercial teams to ensure accurate valuations, forecasts, and cost reporting.\n\nSupport procurement activities and subcontractor management.\n\nEnsure projects are delivered in accordance with contractual obligations and performance requirements.\n\nQuality Management\n\nImplement project-specific quality management procedures.\n\nEnsure all works are completed in accordance with drawings, specifications, standards, and client requirements.\n\nManage inspection and test plans, quality records, and handover documentation.\n\nConduct regular quality reviews and inspections.\n\nLead the management and close-out of defects and non-conformance issues.\n\nDrive a right-first-time approach to project delivery.\n\nLeadership & Team Management\n\nLead, motivate, and develop project teams, site managers, engineers, supervisors, and subcontractors.\n\nPromote a collaborative and high-performance culture.\n\nManage workforce performance and resource allocation.\n\nSupport training, development, and succession planning initiatives.\n\nFoster strong relationships across operational, commercial, and technical teams.\n\nSustainability & Continuous Improvement\n\nPromote sustainable construction practices and environmental stewardship.\n\nMinimise waste and maximise efficient use of materials and resources.\n\nSupport carbon reduction and environmental improvement initiatives.\n\nIdentify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement across project delivery.\n\nEnsure environmental management plans are effectively implemented and monitored.\n\nQualifications & Experience\n\nEssential\n\nHNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.\n\nSMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme).\n\nCSCS Manager Card.\n\nFirst Aid at Work qualification.\n\nFull UK driving licence.\n\nMinimum 5 years' experience managing highways or civil engineering projects.\n\nExperience delivering projects within local authority, strategic highway, or infrastructure environments.\n\nStrong understanding of highways construction methodologies and project delivery.\n\nDesirable\n\nTemporary Works Coordinator qualification.\n\nNEBOSH Certificate or equivalent health and safety qualification.\n\nNRSWA Supervisor qualification.\n\nExperience working under NEC forms of contract.\n\nKnowledge of National Highways and local authority specifications.\n\nSkills & Knowledge\n\nStrong understanding of highways construction, road improvement schemes, junction upgrades, drainage, structures, surfacing, and public realm works.\n\nKnowledge of CDM Regulations and construction health and safety requirements.\n\nStrong commercial awareness and contract management capability.\n\nExperience managing traffic management operations and stakeholder interfaces.\n\nAbility to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and project programmes.\n\nExcellent planning, organisational, and leadership skills.\n\nStrong problem-solving and decision-making capability.\n\nEffective stakeholder and client management skills.\n\nProficient in Microsoft Office and project management software.\n\nPersonal Attributes\n\nStrong commitment to health, safety, quality, and environmental excellence.\n\nResults-driven with a focus on programme delivery and client satisfaction.\n\nExcellent communication and leadership skills.\n\nCommercially aware and proactive in identifying opportunities and risks.\n\nAble to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.\n\nCollaborative and team-oriented approach.\n\nProfessional, reliable, and accountable.\n\nCommitted to continuous improvement and operational excellence