Senior Highways Project Manager – Transport & Public Realm in London

Posted by Pertemps London

Senior Project Manager – Major Highways & Transport Programmes 

London | Contract | £350–£400 per day (umbrella) | Hybrid (up to 4 days from home once approved)

Lead the Council's most complex, high-value highways, transport, public realm and active travel programmes as a senior, supernumerary capital-funded Post (PO7). You'll operate with significant autonomy as the Council's senior client representative, driving schemes that directly support transport, regeneration, climate change and place-making priorities.diversitydashboard

What you'll do

  • Lead major highways, transport, public realm and active travel programmes of high strategic, financial and political importance.

  • Manage projects through the full lifecycle: feasibility, option development, business cases, design, consultation, approvals, procurement and implementation.

  • Maintain project programmes, risk registers, plans and governance documentation; ensure safe delivery within approved budgets and timescales.

  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and integrate technical, operational and stakeholder requirements.

  • Act as the Council's senior representative with Members, residents, businesses, community groups, TfL, government agencies and statutory undertakers.

  • Prepare and present reports and recommendations for senior officers, Cabinet Members and committees.

  • Commission, manage and coordinate consultants, contractors and specialist advisers; lead procurement activities where required.

  • Manage significant capital project budgets and funding allocations; prepare funding claims and financial monitoring reports.

  • Provide professional leadership, guidance and mentoring to Project Managers and delivery staff; deputise for the Senior Service Manager on project matters.

What you'll bring (essential)

  • Significant experience leading major capital infrastructure, highways, transport, public realm or regeneration projects of high complexity and public significance.

  • Proven experience managing projects through the full lifecycle from inception to delivery.

  • Experience delivering projects within a local authority, public sector or similarly complex environment.

  • Demonstrable experience managing politically sensitive projects involving Members, senior officers and external stakeholders.

  • Experience developing and managing substantial capital budgets and externally funded programmes.

  • Experience managing consultants, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.

  • Experience of stakeholder engagement, consultation and political reporting; presenting to senior leadership teams, Cabinet Members or formal decision-making bodies.

  • Experience managing strategic relationships with TfL, government bodies and other external partners.

  • Strong understanding of project/programme management principles, governance and risk management.

  • Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills; strong financial management capability and commercial awareness.

  • Ability to analyse complex information, manage multiple priorities and work independently with sound professional judgement.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software.

Desirable

  • Degree or equivalent in Project Management, Transport Planning, Engineering, Urban Design or related discipline.

  • Professional qualification or membership of a relevant institution; PRINCE2, APM, MSP or equivalent.

  • Experience delivering TfL-funded programmes; active travel, Healthy Streets, corridor improvement or public realm schemes.

  • Knowledge of London local authority governance and decision-making processes.

What's on offer

  • £350–£400 per day (umbrella), depending on experience.

  • Hybrid working: up to 4 days from home once approved by your line manager.

  • High-impact role shaping London's transport network, public spaces and climate outcomes.

  • Direct exposure to Members, senior officers, TfL and government stakeholders.

How to apply
Apply now with your updated CV and a brief supporting statement outlining your most relevant project deliveries.
Apply Now →

Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.