Freelance Project Manager – Civils & Groundworks
Location: Berwick
Project: Hospital or Theatre Build
Duration: 12 months
Start: June/ July 2026
Working hours: 45-hour week, with potential for an early finish on Fridays
Engagement: Limited company contractor or CIS sole trader considered
Rate: Negotiable, depending on experience
Lodge: Additional lodge rates available where required, typically for contractors travelling from outside 1 hour 15 minutes of site
Brownlee Cale are looking for a hands-on Freelance Project Manager to support the delivery of civils and groundworks packages on a project in Berwick.
The role will be attached to one of two schemes: either a hospital project or a theatre build, with our client delivering packages including foundations, drainage and remedial works. The project is expected to run for around 12 months, with potential for ongoing work for the right person.
Our client are known for looking after their freelancers and keeping good people busy where possible. If someone comes in, does the job properly and fits the team, this is the type of contractor that will try to move them onto future works rather than let them walk out the door.
This role would suit a Project Manager who has worked in self-delivery civils or groundworks environments, ideally on schemes ranging from £2m to £10m. The team will be small, so this is not a role for someone who wants to sit at arm’s length from the works. Our client need someone visible, practical and comfortable getting involved.
You will be working closely with a Site Manager, Site Supervisor and Site Engineer, so the successful person needs to be confident leading from the front, supporting the team and keeping the job moving day to day.
Scope of works may include:
* Foundations
* Drainage
* Remedial works
* Groundworks
* External works
* Civils packages on building-led schemes
Key responsibilities:
* Oversee day-to-day delivery of the civils and groundworks package
* Lead and support a small site team consisting of a Site Manager, Site Supervisor and Site Engineer
* Manage programme, sequencing, productivity and site progress
* Coordinate labour, plant, materials, suppliers and subcontractors
* Liaise with the client, consultants and internal teams
* Identify site risks early and help resolve issues quickly
* Support RAMS, permits, temporary works, quality checks and site documentation
* Monitor progress against programme and commercial targets
* Maintain clear communication across site and client teams
* Bring a hands-on, practical approach to project delivery
Ideal experience:
* Previous experience as a Project Manager within civils, groundworks or infrastructure
* Strong background in self-delivery schemes
* Experience managing packages or projects around £2m to £10m
* Good understanding of foundations, drainage, remedial works and groundworks
* Comfortable working on building-led civils packages such as hospitals, schools, theatres or similar schemes
* Able to lead a lean site team without needing layers of support around them
* Strong client-facing, planning and problem-solving skills
* Practical, visible and commercially aware
Desirable tickets / qualifications:
* SMSTS
* CSCS
* First Aid
* Temporary Works experience or awareness
* Civil engineering or construction management background
This is a strong opportunity for a freelance Project Manager looking for a 12-month run of work in the Northeast, with a sensible working week, lodge support where required, and a contractor known for keeping good people on beyond the initial project