Posted: 18 June
The role
Project Manager - Highways Freelance | Areas 6 & 8 | £500-£550 per day Overview We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of highways and civil engineering projects across Areas 6 & 8. This is a freelance opportunity suited to someone who can take full ownership of project performance, including programme, commercial management, risk, and stakeholder engagement. You will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in line with contractual requirements. Key Responsibilities Project Delivery & Leadership Take full accountability for the end-to-end delivery of multiple highways schemes Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams including Site Managers, Engineers, and subcontractors Ensure alignment between site operations, programme milestones, and commercial objectives Drive delivery against key performance indicators and contractual commitments Programme Management Develop, manage, and maintain detailed project programmes using P6 or MS Project Monitor progress against milestones and implement corrective actions where required Identify delays and drive recovery plans to maintain project timelines Provide accurate progress reporting to internal and external stakeholders Commercial & Contract Management Manage projects under NEC contracts, ensuring compliance and effective administration Lead on compensation events, variations, and change control processes Monitor project costs, budgets, and forecasts Work closely with commercial teams to optimise financial performance Risk & Governance Identify, assess, and manage project risks and opportunities Ensure effective governance, reporting, and audit readiness Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting structures Health, Safety & Compliance Lead the implementation of health, safety, and environmental standards Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and client requirements Promote a strong safety culture across all project teams Quality Management Ensure all works meet required technical specifications and quality standards Oversee inspection, testing, and handover processes Drive continuous improvement and resolution of defects Stakeholder Management Act as the primary point of contact for clients, National Highways, and local authorities Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships Lead project meetings and provide clear performance updates Manage expectations and minimise disruption to stakeholders and the public Requirements Essential Proven experience as a Project Manager within highways or civil engineering Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts Experience working on National Highways frameworks Strong programme management skills (P6 or MS Project) Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, and reporting Excellent stakeholder and client management skills SMSTS CSCS Card (Manager level) First Aid at Work Full UK driving licence Desirable HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline Experience delivering major infrastructure or highways projects Temporary Works Coordinator certification Experience across full project lifecycle (pre-construction to completion)
