Senior Project Manager - High-value heating and cooling infrastructure projects
ESP is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Project Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of complex, high-value heating and cooling infrastructure projects.
This senior leadership role carries responsibility for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of projects to the highest standards of safety, quality, programme adherence, and commercial performance.
Operating within a customer-focused environment, you will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, while driving excellence across the full project lifecycle. The role is aligned with the APM Body of Knowledge (7th Edition) and Competence Framework and requires a demonstrable track record of delivering complex, multi-disciplinary programmes under NEC and/or JCT contracts.
As a key member of the Team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting ESP’s strategic growth ambitions, contributing to the ongoing success and expansion of the Major Projects business.
This role offers hybrid working of 2 days from home & 3 days split between our Leatherhead office & site visits.
Key Responsibilities
Operating in line with APM best practice and professional standards, you will take overall accountability for delivering projects safely, compliantly, and to programme and commercial objectives. This includes;
* Ensuring full compliance with CDM 2015 Regulations through effective oversight of Pre-Construction Information, Construction Phase Plans, and the preparation and handover of the Health & Safety File.
* Leading the end-to-end delivery of major Central Energy Plant (CEP) and district heating and cooling schemes, from concept through to commissioning and handover, ensuring robust planning, execution, and close-out.
* Developing and maintaining fully integrated programmes, with clear critical path analysis, dependencies, and milestone control.
* Maintain strong commercial discipline, managing budgets, forecasts, and cost reporting, while proactively identifying and administering compensation events and variations under NEC4 and JCT forms of contract.
* Lead complex stakeholder engagement, coordinating effectively across clients, developers, statutory undertakers, designers, and supply chain partners to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.
* Provide a structured approach to risk and opportunity management is essential, maintaining dynamic risk registers with quantified impacts, clear mitigation strategies, and assigned ownership.
* Responsible for securing all necessary third-party consents.
* The role requires strong leadership capability, providing direction, mentoring, and development to project managers and wider teams, fostering a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative culture.
* Ensure effective governance and reporting, delivering clear, concise updates on programme performance, commercial position, risk profile, and overall delivery status to senior stakeholders.
* The responsibilities outlined are not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the role.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
* Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a project delivery role within the construction, utilities and energy infrastructure sectors.
* Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline (or actively working towards completion).
* Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams), with strong Excel capability (including pivot tables and data analysis) and experience using project planning tools such as MS Project or Primavera P6.
* Experience working with document management systems and maintaining structured project filing systems.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, professional correspondence, reports, and meeting documentation.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable
* Working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 and/or JCT contract administration processes and documentation.
* APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) or Project Management Qualification (PMQ), or willingness to work towards accreditation.
* SMSTS and CSCS Professional card (or equivalent).
* Understanding of CDM 2015 administrative and compliance requirements.
* Experience operating within a PMO or programme environment on major infrastructure or energy projects.
* Experience with SharePoint administration, collaboration platforms, and/or data visualisation tools such as Power BI.