Senior Project Manager

Job summary

As a Senior Project Manager, you will support the Capital Works Programme Manager in delivering UKHSA's Capital Programme at Porton Down. You will lead the successful delivery of complex capital, infrastructure, refurbishment and engineering projects, typically valued up to £5m, ensuring they are delivered safely, compliantly and within agreed scope, cost, quality and programme constraints.

Working within a highly regulated scientific environment, you will manage projects through the full lifecycle, from business case development and procurement through to commissioning, handover and benefits realisation. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage consultants and contractors, and work closely with stakeholders to deliver projects that support UKHSA's operational and strategic objectives.

The Estates, Engineering and Facilities (EEF) Department is responsible for engineering, maintenance, environmental sustainability, facilities management and capital works across the Porton Down estate. Managing a combined budget of approximately £40 million per annum, EEF ensures the estate remains safe, compliant, operational and capable of supporting UKHSA's scientific and health security activities. Due to the nature of the facilities, projects and stakeholder engagement required, the postholder will be expected to work full-time on site at Porton Down, Salisbury.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

Project Leadership and Delivery

• Provide effective leadership to project teams, consultants, contractors and suppliers to achieve successful project outcomes
• Develop, maintain and monitor project plans, schedules and delivery strategies, selecting the most appropriate delivery methodology
• Design and implement appropriate project governance, controls and reporting arrangements
• Establish project structures appropriate to each project phase and effectively manage transitions between lifecycle stages
• Manage competing priorities and resources to ensure delivery against agreed objectives
• Promote continuous improvement by capturing, evaluating and applying lessons learned

Financial and Commercial Management

• Lead the development, maintenance and approval of business cases in line with UKHSA governance requirements
• Develop robust cost estimates, budgets and forecasts and ensure effective financial management throughout the project lifecycle
• Monitor project expenditure, manage cost risks and ensure value for money is achieved
• Support procurement activity and oversee project delivery through Government and UKHSA procurement processes
• Manage the performance of consultants, contractors and suppliers, ensuring contractual obligations, programme requirements and quality standards are achieve
• Administer and manage projects delivered through NEC and JCT contractual arrangements

Benefits Realisation

• Develop and implement benefits realisation plans
• Ensure benefits are clearly defined, measurable and aligned to business objectives.
• Monitor, track and report benefits delivery, taking corrective action where benefits are at risk
• Support the transition of completed projects into operational use

Stakeholder Management and Communication

• Identify key stakeholders and establish effective engagement strategies
• Build productive relationships with senior leaders, technical specialists, operational teams and external partners
• Influence, negotiate and challenge constructively at all organisational levels
• Present project information to a range of audiences through governance boards, project reviews and senior management meetings

Risk, Assurance and Governance

• Identify, assess and manage project risks, dependencies and issues
• Develop mitigation plans and escalate significant risks where appropriate
• Coordinate assurance reviews, gateway reviews and audit activities
• Ensure all project documentation and reporting requirements are maintained to a high standard
• Support organisational governance arrangements and provide accurate and timely reporting

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with all relevant legislation, UKHSA policies and statutory requirements
• Promote a positive health, safety and environmental culture throughout project delivery
• Ensure compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and other applicable construction and engineering standards
• Ensure commissioning, validation and handover activities are conducted appropriately within regulated scientific environments

Sustainability

• Support UKHSA's sustainability and Net Zero commitments through the implementation of environmentally responsible project solutions
• Incorporate energy efficiency, sustainability and life-cycle considerations into project planning and delivery in collaboration with the Environmental Manager

Leadership and Professional Practice

• Role model UKHSA values and behaviours
• Promote diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, respecting and valuing individual differences
• Maintain professional competence and actively contribute to the UKHSA Project Delivery Profession Community
• Champion best practice in project delivery and continuous improvement

Main duties of the job

• Lead the successful delivery of capital, engineering and infrastructure projects throughout the full project lifecycle, ensuring agreed objectives, timescales, budgets and quality standards are achieved.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, procurement activities and contractual arrangements, ensuring value for money and effective management of consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Develop and monitor benefits realisation plans, ensuring project outputs deliver measurable business outcomes and support organisational objectives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing clear communication, influencing decision-making and securing successful project outcomes.
• Establish effective project controls and governance arrangements, managing risks, issues, dependencies and assurance activities to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, CDM Regulations, UKHSA policies and statutory compliance requirements, promoting a positive safety culture.
• Support UKHSA's sustainability objectives by incorporating environmental and energy efficiency considerations into project planning, design and delivery.
• Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, promote continuous improvement and contribute to the development of project delivery best practice across UKHSA.