The Vacancy
Project Manager
Reporting to: Head of Projects
Location: Cambridge
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery of engineering and facilities projects from feasibility through to completion. You will play a key role in planning, coordinating, monitoring, and controlling projects to ensure they are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
This role requires strong leadership, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, stakeholders, and clients while operating in line with Wates FM processes and governance.
Key Responsibilities
As Project Manager, you will be responsible for:
1. Producing all project documentation from feasibility to completion in accordance with Wates FM processes and required formats
2. Acting as a representative and support function within the Wates FM service
3. Planning, monitoring, and controlling all aspects of assigned projects
4. Coordinating project activities including setting deadlines, allocating responsibilities, and tracking progress
5. Reporting project status, risks, and progress via regular status meetings and reports to the FM Board
6. Maintaining and reviewing detailed project programmes, identifying resource requirements at an early stage
7. Anticipating deviations from plans or schedules and proactively managing stakeholders
8. Identifying business restrictions, drivers, and disruption factors
9. Managing change control in collaboration with operational teams
10. Identifying, analysing, and mitigating risks and issues, taking corrective action where required
11. Defining acceptance criteria for deliverables and supporting stakeholder sign‑off
12. Producing and maintaining accurate project documentation including schedules, reports, meeting minutes, and communication records
13. Closing projects effectively, including end‑of‑project reporting, lessons learned, and sunset meetings
14. Ensuring projects meet quality, compliance, and “fitness for purpose” standards
Qualifications
Essential
15. Project Management qualification (PRINCE2)
16. IOSH membership or equivalent
Desirable
17. CAFM and reporting systems experience
18. City & Guilds (Electrical / Electronic Craft Studies or Electrical Installation) or equivalent
19. 18th Edition IEE Registration or Electrical Apprenticeship within building maintenance
20. NVQ Level 2–3 (or equivalent) in Electrical or Mechanical disciplines
Experience
Essential
21. Minimum of three years’ experience in a managerial Project Management role within a business‑critical environment
22. Strong capability in planning, forecasting, and change management
23. Proven experience producing clear project plans, reports, and risk management strategies
24. Experience managing engineering projects end‑to‑end
25. Ability to manage meetings effectively and maintain focus on objectives
26. Experience working to strict timescales and document quality standards
Desirable
27. Demonstratable experience within a critical business environment
28. Practical knowledge of Microsoft Project and other Microsoft Office tools
29. Experience operating and controlling business systems
30. Knowledge of CAFM and reporting systems
31. Experience supporting business transformation initiatives
Personal Skills & Attributes
32. Confident, professional communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
33. Client‑focused with a commitment to delivering high‑quality service
34. Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and results‑focused
35. Strong problem‑solving and risk assessment abilities
36. Calm and adaptable under pressure
37. Reliable, flexible, and able to prioritise effectively
Why Join Wates?
38. Be part of a respected, industry‑leading facilities management provider
39. Work on impactful projects within a structured and supportive environment
40. Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
Work for Wates
Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.
We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:
Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in, and treated with care.
We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.
Awards
BEST PROJECT
Inside Housing Development Awards
WINNER
2022 Construction News Awards Winner
GOLD AWARD
Investors in People 2022
GOLD AWARD
Considerate Constructors Schemes (CCS) National Site Awards
TOP 50 EMPLOYERS
2022 Top 50 Employers for Women
WINNER
2022 Working Families Best Practice Awards