Location: Various UK locations (specifics dependent on project portfolio)
Reporting To: Contract Manager / Head of Delivery
Job Purpose
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Manager to lead the successful end-to-end delivery of fibre optic network build projects across the UK. The successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring projects are planned, executed, and closed efficiently, adhering to agreed timelines, budget, quality standards, and health and safety regulations. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional stakeholder management, and a hands-on approach to delivery within a fast-paced and evolving telecommunications infrastructure environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Planning & Strategy:
- Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies for fibre network deployment.
- Define clear project deliverables, ensuring they meet agreed specifications and quality standards.
- Conduct feasibility studies and site assessments to inform project design and implementation.
- Project Execution & Control:
- Oversee the full lifecycle of fibre rollout projects from initiation through to closure.
- Manage and coordinate internal resources, third-party contractors, and vendors to ensure flawless project execution.
- Monitor project progress against plans, identifying and mitigating risks and issues proactively.
- Implement and maintain structured project governance, including change control procedures and RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) logs.
- Ensure strict adherence to all relevant Health & Safety legislation, Streetworks legislation, and company internal H&S Management Systems.
- Be expected to be on-site for approximately 50% of the time to oversee operations and engage with delivery teams.
- Financial Management:
- Manage project budgets, forecasts, and commercial aspects, ensuring projects are delivered within financial constraints.
- Be responsible for managing a revenue stream of approximately £10 million annually.
- Oversee procurement processes, including managing sub-contractors and material supply in coordination with the procurement team.
- Review and approve invoices, resolving any disputes promptly.
- Stakeholder Management & Communication:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with all project stakeholders, including clients, local authorities, internal teams (design, operations, commercial), and external suppliers.
- Provide clear, concise, and timely project updates and reports to senior management, steering committees, and clients.
- Lead regular project meetings, effectively managing discussions and delegating tasks.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance:
- Ensure all fibre network installations and associated civil engineering works comply with industry best practices, technical standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct site inspections and quality checks to ensure high standards of workmanship.
- Regularly carry out safety audits on-site to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols and identify areas for improvement.
- Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
- Legislation; Ensure compliance to all relevant legislation regarding: Health & Safety, Environmental and employment
- Company HSEQ system; policies and procedures; Ensure ongoing compliance to safe system of work including appropriate monitoring and analysis and corrective action planning.
- ISO Accredited Systems; Manage ongoing compliance to all defined company processes as defined by ISO 9001. This also includes updating any changes relating to new or changing contracts. Comply with ISO audit plan and requirements.
- Ensure field quality and safety check targets are met, results analysed and NCRs actioned.
- Ensure all office and field staff are trained as per the company skills matrix and client specific requirements.
- Manage monthly reviews of safety & quality performance including preparation of Improvement Plan where required.
- Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead, motivate, and mentor project teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Support the development of junior team members and contribute to the evolution of project management tools, templates, and standards.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of proven experience as a Project Manager, with a strong track record of successfully delivering complex infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrable experience in the telecommunications, fibre optic network build, or civil engineering sectors in the UK is essential.
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects of varying sizes (ideally ranging from £50k to £2m+).
- Hands-on experience with the full project lifecycle, from pre-construction (design review and approval) through to delivery and handover.
- Experience with FTTP/FTTx (Fibre to the Premises/X) infrastructure deployment is highly desirable.
- Qualifications & Certifications:
- Formal project management certification such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP (Project Management Professional), or AgilePM is highly desirable.
- A degree-level education in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Engineering, IT, Construction Management) is preferred.
- Relevant Health & Safety certifications (e.g., CSCS card, SMSTS, First Aid at Work, Asbestos Awareness) are often required or highly desirable.
- Skills:
- Exceptional leadership, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Proficiency in project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Asta Power Project, Smartsheet, Jira).
- Solid understanding of budget management, commercial dependencies, and vendor contract management.
- Proactive problem-solver with a solution-led mindset and a bias for action.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Experience working with local authorities regarding streetworks.
- Ability to adapt to working in an outdoor environment and travel across project locations as required.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.