Project Manager - Utilities

Job Description:

Location: Derby (Hybrid – minimum 3 days on-site) Can also be based from Coventry
Occasional site visits required
Industry: Water or wider utilities (preferred)

This is a 9–12 month contract position, based primarily in Derby, with the option to work from home part of the week (minimum 3 days in the office). The role falls inside IR35.

The Senior Engineer / Project Manager will have strong engineering appreciation and must be competent in managing all six core aspects of project delivery: scope, schedule, finance, risk, quality, and resources. Excellent interpersonal skills—particularly leadership, communication, and conflict management—are essential.

You will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient execution of the developer programme and will work closely with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to support overall programme delivery and regulatory compliance.

• Lead and manage the entire project lifecycle—from initial developer enquiry through to delivery—ensuring all outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
• Perform duties under the NEC Project Manager framework (or elements of it) as delegated, ensuring compliance with CDM regulations across all projects.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring customer communications and media interactions are handled appropriately and that projects are positively represented.
• Follow established project standards and process maps, ensuring all deliverables are correctly allocated and completed.
• Prepare and submit Business Cases for approval via relevant governance channels.
• Oversee financial management, including forecasting and budget allocation.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities that may impact programme performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant external legislation (e.g., NRSWA, TMA, CDM, H&S, Environmental, Planning).
• Establish regular project meetings to monitor progress, identify issues, and implement corrective actions. Maintain accurate project and contract records.
• Facilitate issue resolution with external utilities, statutory bodies and undertakers such as power, gas, highways authorities, councils, and others.
• Champion safety improvements within the supply chain, ensuring the safety of employees, customers, and the public.
• Respond to and address incidents or accidents, ensuring root causes are identified and preventative actions are implemented.
• Lead Post‑Investment Reviews to capture and embed lessons learned.
• Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, provide value for customers, and are built to be safe to operate and maintain for their full lifecycle.

• Experience influencing a wide range of stakeholders to achieve programme objectives.
• Background in the water industry is preferred, but experience in other utilities will be considered.
• Experience in laying or diverting pipes or utilities across public highways or private land.
• Experience working within the NEC project management framework.
• Strong understanding of complex risk management principles, especially regarding customer and stakeholder impact.
• Experience applying CDM regulations within project delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to work with standards, codes, and industry practices.
• Experience collaborating closely with supply chain partners, with a strong focus on meeting deliverables, milestones, specifications, H&S requirements, outputs, and quality standards.