Key role objective
The primary purpose of this role is to lead WJ’s multiple long-term water management projects (secured for the next 10-12 years), and site operations at Sizewell (SZC) in Suffolk, ensuring the highest standards of technical delivery, commercial performance, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of project execution - from planning and implementation to client liaison and operational excellence - within one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure developments.
This position demands a proactive leader who can foster strong, collaborative relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams. As a key representative of WJ on site, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our services are delivered efficiently, safely, and in alignment with both project goals and WJ’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Key relationships
Operations Manager and their Drilling & Yard Managers and fellow Project Managers, HR Manager and their admin support team, UK Managing Director and WJ Group Chief Operations Officer (Coaching & Mentorship)
Key areas of responsibility
As the Project Lead for Sizewell SZC, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of WJ’s water management operations on site. Your duties will include, but are not limited to:
Operational Leadership & Safety
* Champion a proactive Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) culture by leading from the front and promoting safe working practices across all operational levels.
* Brief, audit, and support site teams to ensure full compliance with SHE standards and effective operational procedures.
* Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with WJ’s contractual obligations and directives from the Operations Manager.
Site Supervision & Client Engagement
* Supervise day-to-day site operations, maintaining strong communication with clients’ site staff, supervisory teams, subcontractors, and suppliers.
* Build and sustain collaborative relationships to ensure smooth project delivery and client satisfaction.
Project Documentation & Reporting
* Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of WJ’s contractual activities, including monitoring data, site documentation, and project logs.
* Draft and disseminate regular progress reports; actively participate in internal and external project meetings.
Technical Preparation & Delivery
* Prepare Method Statements, Risk Assessments, technical drawings, and work procedures to support safe and efficient execution.
* Define project programmes and ensure delivery against contractual milestones and performance targets.
Commercial & Financial Oversight
* Prepare, issue, and negotiate monthly payment applications in line with project progress and contractual terms.
* Support business development efforts through site visits, client engagement, and assistance with tenders and quotations.
Team Management & Coordination
* Appoint, brief, and coordinate WJ site teams and specialist subcontractors to ensure cohesive and effective project execution.
* Provide direct line management to WJ site and monitoring staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
Integrated Management System (IMS) Responsibilities
WJ Groundwater Limited is committed to maintaining certification to ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 standards. As part of this commitment, you will:
* Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the Integrated Management System.
* Administer IMS procedures and ensure that objectives and targets are consistently met.
* Liaise with company auditors and ensure timely execution of corrective actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with UK business units—including Accounts, HR, SHE, Design/Technical, Sales/Marketing, Drilling, Monitoring, and Environmental Services—to build strong internal relationships and support broader financial and operational objectives.
This list is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake additional duties that fall within your level of responsibility and competence.
Qualifications & Experience
We are seeking a motivated and dependable professional with strong communication skills and a proven track record in project and site management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate technical expertise, leadership capability, and a commitment to excellence in a demanding construction environment.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
* Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in project/site management within construction or similar
* Valid CSCS card and SMSTS certification
* Strong technical understanding of Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology, or Civil Engineering
* Extensive experience supervising geotechnical works, including application of the observational method
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and other relevant digital tools
* Full UK Driving License and willingness to travel across UK sites
Key Competencies:
* Confident in client-facing roles and stakeholder engagement
* Skilled in interpreting technical data and regulatory requirements
* High standard of written English; able to produce clear, professional documentation
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
* Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage workloads under pressure
* Proven leadership in managing site teams and subcontractors
* Self-motivated and capable of working independently on complex sites
* Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Working Conditions
This site based role at Sizewell C, in Suffolk, with regular travel to UK project sites for meetings, site walkovers, inductions, and briefings. During the probation period, the post-holder may be site-based to support hands-on skill development under the mentorship of experienced Project Managers.
Site activities take place in dynamic outdoor environments - including active construction zones, excavations, tunnels, audits, and shafts - requiring strict compliance with Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) regulations at all times.
Equal Opportunity Statement
WJ Groundwater is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.