We’re seeking a highly skilled Project Manager and communicator to join our dynamic team and support the McDermotts function in Birmingham.
The Project Manager will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of drainage and civil engineering packages on infrastructure and construction projects. Working within a contracting environment, the role requires strong technical capability, commercial awareness, and leadership skills to ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget, and to specification.
Main Responsibilities:
Project Delivery
- Manage the end‑to‑end delivery of drainage, highways, earthworks, and associated civil engineering packages
- Take full ownership of projects from pre‑construction and handover through to final account and close‑out
- Produce, manage, and update construction programmes (short‑term and master programmes)
- Ensure works are delivered in accordance with contract requirements, drawings, and specifications
Commercial & Contractual
- Manage project costs, forecasts, and cash flow in conjunction with the commercial team
- Support preparation and agreement of valuations, variations, and final accounts
- Administer contracts (typically NEC, JCT, or bespoke forms)
- Manage and mitigate project risks and opportunities
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality
- Ensure full compliance with CDM Regulations 2015
- Drive high standards of HSEQ performance across site teams and supply chain
- Ensure works are delivered in line with Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs) and quality requirements
Leadership & Management
- Lead and manage site teams including Site Managers, Engineers, and Subcontractors
- Coordinate and chair site, progress, and client meetings
- Mentor and develop junior members of the project team
- Maintain productive working relationships with clients, designers, and stakeholders
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the main point of contact for the client on allocated projects
- Manage interfaces with utility providers, local authorities, and third‑party stakeholders
- Prepare and present progress reports to senior management and clients
Typical Project Scope
- Surface water & foul drainage installations (including SUDS)
- Section 278 / 38 highways works
- Earthworks and groundworks packages
- Chambers, attenuation tanks, pumping stations
- Service diversions and deep drainage
- Reinforced concrete structures
Experience:
Essential
- Proven experience as a Project Manager within UK civil engineering
- Strong background in drainage and infrastructure works
- Experience working for a Tier 2 contractor or similar environment
- Good working knowledge of NEC contracts
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and subcontract packages
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills
- Excellent understanding of construction sequencing and temporary works
Desirable
- Experience on design & build civil packages
- Experience working on frameworks or repeat‑work clients
- Knowledge of SUDS design and approval processes
- Experience with rail, highways, or water‑sector works
Qualifications:
Essential
- Degree or HND in Civil Engineering or Construction Management (or equivalent experience)
- SMSTS
- CSCS Black Card
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
- Member of ICE, CIHT, or CIOB
- Temporary Works Coordinator
- First Aid at Work
Work Location: Birmingham
Job type: Full-time
Working hours: 07:30 – 17:00
Why Join McDermotts
McDermotts is a nationwide civil engineering and groundworks company based in Birmingham, supporting some of the largest construction companies across the length and breadth of the UK. Established in 1994, we’re a family-founded business that still operates with the customer focus and values we started with. Construction is our passion, and we believe that the industry can provide rich and rewarding experiences.
Our certifications include: CIOB, ISO 45001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, NHSS30, PQS Health and Safety SSIP, Achilles Building Confidence, Safe contractor, Construction Line, SMAS, Mission Zero and Considerate Constructors.
To ensure we continue to meet the needs of our customers and grow as a business, we continually look for new recruits to join our team. When you engage with McDermotts, you are not just joining a team, you become part of our family. Our culture is built around supporting each other and working together to achieve success.
Commitments
McDermotts is an equal opportunities employer, and we value diversity. All engagement is decided based on a qualifications, merit and business need.
Applicants from outside the UK must have a suitable visa or the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this job.
Your shared personal information will be stored and shared by email or a printed copy with HR and hiring managers in relation to any open vacancy for which you wish to be considered.
