Freelance Senior Project Manager - Outside IR35
📍 Location: Southampton (with travel as required)
🕒 Contract Type: Freelance
💼 IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of multi-disciplinary water sector projects. This individual will be responsible for the overall direction, coordination, implementation, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction - all while maintaining the highest standards in health and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Champion exceptional health, safety, and quality standards across both direct and subcontracted workforces.
Ensure full implementation of the Business Management System (BMS) from project inception to completion.
Maintain and develop strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.
Ensure adequate and competent project staffing, with clarity of individual responsibilities.
Lead project planning, including approval of the Project Execution Plan (PEP), and oversee ongoing monitoring and control.
Ensure all construction plans and method statements are thoroughly prepared and approved before execution.
Oversee full project documentation in line with the PEP, ensuring availability at contract closeout.
Monitor and report non-conformities, with cost impacts identified.
Proactively manage all commercial aspects of the project, providing accurate forecasts and cost estimates.
Uphold quality, safety, and environmental policies, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
Support and enhance customer satisfaction by meeting and exceeding requirements and expectations.
Maintain a robust working knowledge of technical disciplines associated with water and wastewater design and build.
Demonstrate a deep understanding of project management practices from concept to handover.
Commit to continuous professional development through industry engagement and learning opportunities.
Represent the business professionally in all internal and external engagements.
Person Specification
Essential:
Proven project management experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary construction projects (ideally in the water sector).
Degree or equivalent in engineering, construction, or commercial discipline.
Recognised Project Management qualification (e.g., APM PMQ or equivalent).
Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Track record of delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.
Comprehensive understanding of NEC and/or IChemE contracts and their administration.
Experience presenting at governance reviews and managing risk/opportunity.
Knowledge of CDM regulations and construction Health & Safety.
Commercially astute with strong operational, strategic, and technical capabilities.
Desirable:
Chartered membership with a relevant institution (e.g., ICE, CIOB, RICS).
Experience in water and wastewater treatment plant projects.
NEC Project Manager Accreditation.
If you are a results-driven Project Manager seeking a flexible, freelance opportunity outside IR35, and you're ready to contribute to key water infrastructure developments in the Southampton region, we want to hear from you