Freelance Project Manager - HS2 (Major Highways & Utilities)
Location: Site-Based (UK)
Contract Type: Freelance
Rate: £600+ per day (Inside IR35)
Duration: 6-Month Initial Contract (with potential extension)
Project Overview
We are recruiting an experienced Freelance Project Manager to support works associated with High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd. This is a critical role delivering major highways and utility packages within one of the UK's largest infrastructure programmes.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for managing utilities diversion, protection, and coordination works within a highways scope on HS2. You must have demonstrable experience delivering complex utility packages on nationally significant infrastructure projects.
This is a hands-on, site-based role requiring strong leadership, programme control, and stakeholder management expertise.
Key Responsibilities
Lead delivery of utility diversion and highways works on HS2 packages
Coordinate with statutory undertakers (gas, water, electric, telecoms)
Manage programme, costs, risk, and reporting
Oversee subcontractors and supply chain performance
Ensure full compliance with HS2 standards and specifications
Maintain strict adherence to HSE and CDM regulations
Manage NEC contract processes including compensation events
Report progress directly to senior leadership and client representatives
Essential Experience
Proven experience delivering utilities works on major infrastructure projects (HS2 experience highly desirable)
Strong background in major highways schemes involving significant service diversions
Experience working within Tier 1 principal contractor environments
Demonstrable success managing multi-disciplinary teams
Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts
Experience liaising directly with statutory utility providers on complex diversion programmes
Mandatory Qualifications
SMSTS (in date)
NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management (or equivalent)
CSCS Black Card (Manager level)
Relevant construction or civil engineering qualification (preferred)