Construction Project Manager
St Albans Basement · Direct employer
Position Summary
The Construction Project Manager will serve as the single point of accountability for all assigned projects, managing both the strategic project elements (budgets, programmes, client relations, contracts) and day-to-day site operations. This role removes the owner from daily project management, allowing focus on business development and company growth whilst ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Setup:
- Review contracts, drawings, specifications, and scope of works for new projects
- Develop detailed construction programmes and method statements
- Create and manage project budgets, tracking costs against estimates
- Prepare and submit construction phase plans under CDM Regulations
- Establish project filing systems and documentation protocols
- Conduct pre-start meetings with clients, subcontractors, and team members
Commercial Management:
- Monitor project costs and identify budget variances early
- Approve and track purchase orders and subcontractor invoices
- Process and negotiate variations with clients
- Manage valuations and payment applications
- Ensure project profitability and provide financial reporting to ownership
- Maintain accurate cost-value reconciliation records
Client & Stakeholder Management:
- Serve as primary client contact throughout the project lifecycle
- Conduct regular site meetings and provide progress updates
- Manage client expectations and address concerns promptly
- Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, building control, and statutory authorities
- Build and maintain strong client relationships for repeat business
- Handle warranty and defects liability period obligations
Subcontractor & Supply Chain Management:
- Coordinate subcontractor programmes to maintain project flow
- Monitor subcontractor performance, quality, and compliance
- Manage supplier relationships and material procurement
- Ensure subcontractors have appropriate insurances and accreditations
Daily Site Operations:
- Oversee all daily construction activities and site operations
- Supervise directly employed operatives and subcontractor personnel
- Conduct regular site inspections for quality, safety, and progress
- Solve problems and make real-time decisions to maintain workflow
- Coordinate material deliveries and plant requirements
- Ensure sites are clean, organised, and professionally presented
- Manage site security and welfare facilities
Programming & Coordination:
- Maintain and update master construction programmes
- Coordinate sequencing of trades and work activities
- Anticipate and mitigate potential delays or disruptions
- Adjust programmes based on site conditions and variations
- Track key milestones and critical path activities
- Implement recovery measures when required
Quality Control & Compliance:
- Ensure all works meet drawings, specifications, and quality standards
- Conduct inspections and manage snagging lists
- Coordinate statutory inspections with Building Control
- Ensure compliance with Building Regulations and British Standards
- Maintain photographic records throughout construction
- Implement quality assurance procedures
Health, Safety & Environmental Management:
- Enforce all health and safety policies and HSE regulations.
Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain comprehensive project files and records
- Prepare site diaries, meeting minutes, and correspondence
- Track and respond to RFIs and technical queries
- Document variations, site instructions, and design changes
- Provide regular progress reports to ownership
- Compile O&M manuals and health & safety files
Practical Completion & Handover:
- Manage snagging and final inspections
- Obtain Building Regulation completion certificates
- Conduct practical completion inspections with clients
- Compile and issue handover packs including warranties
- Manage defects liability period and final account settlement
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 5-7 years’ progressive experience in construction project management
- Proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget
- SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) qualification
- Black or Gold CSCS card
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and Building Regulations
- Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications
- Experience managing project budgets
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Full UK driving licence
- Understanding of CDM Regulations 2015 and Principal Contractor duties
- Commercial awareness and understanding of construction contracts (JCT/NEC)
- Proficiency with construction management software and Microsoft Office.
Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional leadership and team management abilities
- Strong commercial acumen and profit-focused mindset
- Excellent communication skills with all stakeholders
- Superior organisational and time management capabilities
- Strategic thinker who can also manage tactical execution
- Proven problem-solver with sound judgement under pressure
- Self-motivated and able to work autonomously
- Meticulous attention to detail with commitment to quality
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Comfortable with technology and project management systems
- Physical capability to regularly attend and inspect sites
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- Projects delivered on or ahead of programme
- Projects completed at or under budget with healthy margins
- High client satisfaction scores and repeat instructions
- Smooth operations requiring minimal owner intervention
- Quality work with minimal defects or snagging
Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.