Senior Project Manager - Water

Job Description

Freelance Senior Project Manager - Outside IR35\n\n Location: Southampton (with travel as required)\n Contract Type: Freelance\n IR35 Status: Outside IR35\n\nRole Purpose\n\nWe are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of multi-disciplinary water sector projects. This individual will be responsible for the overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction - all while maintaining the highest standards in health and safety.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nChampion exceptional health, safety, and quality standards across both direct and subcontracted workforces.\n\nEnsure full implementation of the Business Management System (BMS) from project inception to completion.\n\nMaintain and develop strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.\n\nEnsure adequate and competent project staffing, with clarity of individual responsibilities.\n\nLead project planning, including approval of the Project Execution Plan (PEP), and oversee ongoing monitoring and control.\n\nEnsure all construction plans and method statements are thoroughly prepared and approved before execution.\n\nOversee full project documentation in line with the PEP, ensuring availability at contract closeout.\n\nMonitor and report non-conformities, with cost impacts identified.\n\nProactively manage all commercial aspects of the project, providing accurate forecasts and cost estimates.\n\nUphold quality, safety, and environmental policies, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.\n\nSupport and enhance customer satisfaction by meeting and exceeding requirements and expectations.\n\nMaintain a robust working knowledge of technical disciplines associated with water and wastewater design and build.\n\nDemonstrate a deep understanding of project management practices from concept to handover.\n\nCommit to continuous professional development through industry engagement and learning opportunities.\n\nRepresent the business professionally in all internal and external engagements.\n\nPerson Specification\n\nEssential:\n\nProven project management experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary construction projects (ideally in the water sector).\n\nDegree or equivalent in engineering, construction, or commercial discipline.\n\nRecognised Project Management qualification (e.g., APM PMQ or equivalent).\n\nStrong leadership and communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.\n\nTrack record of delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.\n\nComprehensive understanding of NEC and/or IChemE contracts and their administration.\n\nExperience presenting at governance reviews and managing risk/opportunity.\n\nKnowledge of CDM regulations and construction Health & Safety.\n\nCommercially astute with strong operational, strategic, and technical capabilities.\n\nDesirable:\n\nChartered membership with a relevant institution (e.g., ICE, CIOB, RICS).\n\nExperience in water and wastewater treatment plant projects.\n\nNEC Project Manager Accreditation.\n\nIf you are a results-driven Project Manager seeking a flexible, freelance opportunity outside IR35, and you're ready to contribute to key water infrastructure developments in the Southampton region, we want to hear from you