Project Manager – Highways & Civil Engineering

Job Summary

Responsible 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.

Lead 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.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Environmental Management

• Take overall responsibility for health, safety, and environmental performance across assigned projects.

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, industry standards, and project-specific requirements.

• Implement and monitor Risk Assessments, Method Statements (RAMS), Construction Phase Plans, and safe systems of work.

• Lead site safety initiatives including inductions, toolbox talks, inspections, and audits.

• Investigate incidents, near misses, and non-conformances, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.

• Ensure works are carried out with minimal disruption to road users, local communities, and stakeholders.

• Promote a positive safety culture throughout project delivery.

Project Delivery & Programme Management

• Manage highways and civil engineering projects from pre-construction through to completion and handover.

• Develop and maintain project programmes, ensuring milestones and key deliverables are achieved.

• Coordinate labour, plant, materials, traffic management, and subcontractor resources.

• Monitor project performance and implement recovery plans where required.

• Ensure efficient resource utilisation to maximise productivity and project profitability.

• Manage project risks and identify opportunities for programme and cost improvements.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, local authorities, consultants, and key stakeholders.

• Attend and lead progress meetings, programme reviews, and stakeholder coordination meetings.

• Maintain regular communication regarding project progress, risks, changes, and key milestones.

• Manage technical queries, instructions, compensation events, and project correspondence.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat business opportunities.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Support the commercial management of projects, including cost control, forecasting, and reporting.

• Monitor project budgets and ensure financial performance targets are achieved.

• Identify and manage variations, change control, and compensation events.

• Work closely with commercial teams to ensure accurate valuations, forecasts, and cost reporting.

• Support procurement activities and subcontractor management.

• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with contractual obligations and performance requirements.

Quality Management

• Implement project-specific quality management procedures.

• Ensure all works are completed in accordance with drawings, specifications, standards, and client requirements.

• Manage inspection and test plans, quality records, and handover documentation.

• Conduct regular quality reviews and inspections.

• Lead the management and close-out of defects and non-conformance issues.

• Drive a right-first-time approach to project delivery.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop project teams, site managers, engineers, supervisors, and subcontractors.

• Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Manage workforce performance and resource allocation.

• Support training, development, and succession planning initiatives.

• Foster strong relationships across operational, commercial, and technical teams.

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement

• Promote sustainable construction practices and environmental stewardship.

• Minimise waste and maximise efficient use of materials and resources.

• Support carbon reduction and environmental improvement initiatives.

• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement across project delivery.

• Ensure environmental management plans are effectively implemented and monitored.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme).

• CSCS Manager Card.

• First Aid at Work qualification.

• Full UK driving licence.

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing highways or civil engineering projects.

• Experience delivering projects within local authority, strategic highway, or infrastructure environments.

• Strong understanding of highways construction methodologies and project delivery.

Desirable

• Temporary Works Coordinator qualification.

• NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent health and safety qualification.

• NRSWA Supervisor qualification.

• Experience working under NEC forms of contract.

• Knowledge of National Highways and local authority specifications.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of highways construction, road improvement schemes, junction upgrades, drainage, structures, surfacing, and public realm works.

• Knowledge of CDM Regulations and construction health and safety requirements.

• Strong commercial awareness and contract management capability.

• Experience managing traffic management operations and stakeholder interfaces.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and project programmes.

• Excellent planning, organisational, and leadership skills.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.

• Effective stakeholder and client management skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management software.

Personal Attributes

• Strong commitment to health, safety, quality, and environmental excellence.

• Results-driven with a focus on programme delivery and client satisfaction.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Commercially aware and proactive in identifying opportunities and risks.

• Able to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.

• Professional, reliable, and accountable.

• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.