Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

Location: Colchester, Essex

Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 Annually

Work Type: Full time

• High End New Builds & Developments
• Reputable Main Contractor
• Projects up to £18M

Our client is an established and growing main contractor operating across the South of England, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality construction projects across a diverse range of sectors.

The business has developed long-standing relationships with clients through its commitment to quality, collaborative approach and ability to successfully deliver complex construction schemes.

With a healthy pipeline of secured work and continued growth across the region, the business is looking to strengthen its Essex division with the appointment of an experienced Senior Project Manager / Contracts Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious contractor offering genuine long-term career progression, direct exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to play an influential role in the continued development of its regional operations.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager / Contracts Manager to take responsibility for overseeing multiple construction projects across Essex and Suffolk, with individual project values reaching £15m.

The successful candidate will typically oversee up to three projects concurrently, taking full responsibility for their successful delivery from pre-construction through to practical completion and handover.

This is a senior operational position requiring someone who can confidently manage multiple project teams, maintain strong client relationships and ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

The business is particularly interested in individuals with a diverse construction background who have successfully delivered projects across different sectors and can demonstrate the commercial awareness, leadership and organisational skills required to manage several schemes simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Delivery & Operational Management

• Oversee the successful delivery of up to three construction projects concurrently, with individual values up to £15m.

• Take full responsibility for projects from pre-construction, procurement and mobilisation through to construction, completion and handover.

• Develop, monitor and manage construction programmes, ensuring key milestones and contractual obligations are achieved.

• Provide operational leadership across multiple sites, ensuring consistency in project delivery, quality and performance.

• Identify and proactively manage project risks, programme challenges and operational issues.

• Ensure all projects are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, company procedures and client expectations.

• Commercial & Procurement Management

• Work closely with the commercial team to monitor project budgets, costs, variations and overall financial performance.

• Support procurement strategies, subcontractor appointments and the management of key supply chain relationships.

• Review project progress against commercial forecasts, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.

• Maintain a strong understanding of contractual obligations and support the resolution of commercial and operational matters.

• Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, support and manage Project Managers, Site Managers and wider project delivery teams across multiple schemes.

• Provide clear direction and ensure project teams are aligned with programme, quality, safety and commercial objectives.

• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate management staff, supporting their professional progression.

• Promote a collaborative, accountable and solutions-focused working environment.

• Ensure effective communication between site teams, subcontractors, consultants and senior management.

• Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for clients, consultants and external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of service and repeat business opportunities.

• Attend and lead progress meetings, providing clear updates on programme, commercial performance and project delivery.

• Produce and present regular project reports to the senior leadership team.

• Represent the business professionally and contribute to its reputation within the regional construction market.

• Health, Safety & Quality

• Ensure all projects maintain the highest standards of health, safety and environmental compliance.

• Work closely with site management teams to implement and maintain effective quality assurance procedures.

• Monitor subcontractor performance, workmanship and adherence to project specifications.

• Promote a proactive safety culture across all projects.

• About You

• The ideal candidate will be an experienced Senior Project Manager or Contracts Manager with a strong main contracting background and a proven track record of successfully delivering multiple construction projects.

• You will be commercially aware, confident managing teams and comfortable operating at both project delivery and senior management level.

• Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience working as a Senior Project Manager, Contracts Manager or in a similar senior operational role for a main contractor.

• Demonstrable experience delivering construction projects of significant value, ideally up to £15m.

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously across different locations.

• A diverse construction background, with exposure to projects across several sectors.

• Strong understanding of pre-construction, procurement, programming, construction management and project handover.

• Excellent leadership skills, with experience managing and developing project teams.

• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to work effectively alongside Quantity Surveyors and commercial management teams.

• Confident client-facing communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to travel between projects across Essex and Suffolk.

• Desirable Qualifications

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

• SMSTS qualification.

• CSCS card.

• Relevant professional membership, such as MCIOB, would be advantageous.

• Career Progression & Development

• One of the biggest attractions of this opportunity is the genuine potential for long-term career progression.

• The business is not simply looking for someone to oversee a portfolio of projects. It is seeking an experienced construction professional who can become an integral part of its senior operational structure and contribute to the continued growth of the Essex division.

• As the business expands, there will be opportunities to take on greater responsibility across project delivery, operational management, team development and wider business strategy.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• Clear career progression – Genuine opportunities to move into a more senior operational or leadership position as the business grows.

• Direct senior leadership exposure – Work closely with the company's senior management team and contribute to key operational decisions.

• Autonomy and responsibility – Take ownership of multiple projects with the freedom to manage delivery and influence outcomes.

• Diverse project portfolio – Work across a variety of construction sectors, delivering interesting and challenging schemes.

• Established regional presence – Join a growing division with a strong pipeline of projects across Essex and Suffolk.

• Long-term opportunity – Become a key part of a business focused on sustainable growth, developing its people and strengthening its regional operations.

• Reference number: AF-83-1K6IRTRJR

• Consultant

• Recruitment Agency

• Date posted: 2nd Nov, 2026

• Apply now

• Posted on 3rd Nov, 2026

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