Commercial Manager/Strategic Project Manager - Highways

BACKGROUND TO ASSIGNMENT:

Our client, a highly regarded Council, is entering a critical development stage of their local area transport strategy and we are working with them in partnership to identify an experienced Commercial Manager/Strategic Project Manager that will manage and deliver a key highways project through its construction phase.

The highway is a fundamental element of a larger transport programme, it will support the wider objectives of the programme and has been designed to upgrade the transport infrastructure in the area, relieve traffic/congestion problems and dramatically improve public transport and cycle routes.

ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY:

A large and essential element of this assignment is taking responsibility for the commercial management of the project, due to be completed by summer 2018.

You will take full budgetary control of the project so experience of managing multi-million pound highway construction projects (£50 million +) is not only essential, you will be expected to provide evidence of where you have successfully delivered projects of this scale on time and within agreed budgets.

This role will primarily focus on the strategic reporting, commercial and contractual aspects of the highway construction, you will work in parallel with the existing Construction Project Manager who has a focus around the construction specific issues and site activity during the construction phase.

The council is a progressive organisation, they are proactive, well organised, and efficient, and they have a strong reputation for delivery. This reputation is held extremely dear to the authority, they are constantly pushing to improve their public services and performance.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

. Full budgetary control and accountability.
. Take responsibility for contractual compliance during construction (to contract, budget and schedule).
. Build a collaborative delivery relationship with the appointed Contractor, whilst providing the appropriate level of commercial tension to ensure best value.
. Provide strategic contractual advice as required.
. Lead the site Project Controls/Commercial team.
. Manage and report on project risk.
. Provide update reports as required to the Directors.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

This assignment requires a seasoned professional with 15+ years' experience as a Commercial Manager/Project Director, and a proven (and demonstrable) track record of successfully delivering multi-million pound highway construction and transport infrastructure improvement projects for central or local government.

You will also be expected to be a Chartered Engineer or hold an equivalent management or commercial/financial professional qualification.

OTHER SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

. Site experience and delivering best practice in a construction environment and a detailed understanding of Highways Maintenance specification.
. A recent demonstrable working knowledge of various forms of contract, particularly NEC 2 and 3.
. Planning, implementing and managing project resources for major highway construction projects.
. Project management ability to a level appropriate for major construction projects.
. Communication skills sufficient:
-To generate a team working ethos regardless of a range of employers (eg from various contractors).
-To deal with stakeholders at all levels, including businesses and members of public.
-To lead on informing senior managers and directors, and reporting to Members and Committees.

. Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and consider wider implications of any actions/decisions on projects.
. Ability to liaise with Landowners and support the land acquisition process in order to support the delivery of a project to time and budget.
. A working knowledge of complex design guidance and financial management systems.
. Sound knowledge of Health and Safety for Construction Sites.
. Knowledge of environmental impact on construction projects.

Regular car user and expected to be able to drive to site and meetings as necessary.

You will also need extensive experience of dealing with Members and have the ability to not only manage, but challenge their expectations constructively and ensure on-going political support.

For more information and to apply for the role, please send your CV and covering letter to (see below), give me a call

We endeavour to respond to all applications but due to high volumes this is unfortunately not always possible. If you have not received a response with 14 days, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful but we thank you for taking the time to apply and we welcome applications from you in the future.