Job Description

The Infrastructure Service, the beating heart of Portsmouth City Council's forward-thinking Economy, Transport, and Planning Directorate. The work shapes the very foundation of a sustainable, thriving, and forward-looking Portsmouth, driven by innovation and a bold vision for the future.
From coastal and drainage infrastructure that protects our city, to highway design and maintenance that keeps Portsmouth moving, and project management that delivers transformative change, we are the team behind the city's most impactful and inspiring civil engineering projects.
We don't just complete projects - we set the standard. Through meticulous planning, cutting-edge methods, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, our work not only meets today's needs but also sets benchmarks for the future.
At the core of our team is a culture of collaboration, respect, and a shared purpose. We believe in delivering more than just infrastructure - we create opportunities, build connections, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
If you're passionate about making a real difference, eager to work on projects that transform lives and communities, and thrive in an environment where creativity, ambition, and innovation are celebrated, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.

The Role
We are looking to recruit ambitious project managers with a range of experiences who have a passionate drive to deliver success for the city.
The projects that you will work on could include:

• Bus Service Improvement Plan, a programme of capital works that will elevate Portsmouth's public transport infrastructure.
• City Centre Road, a major reconfiguration of the road network in the city centre that is being developed in parallel with the centre's regeneration.
• District and Local Town Centres, a number of smaller scale projects that aim to improve the public realm in local shopping areas across the city.

Sitting between the Assistant Project Manager and Senior Project Manager, you will bridge strategic leadership with on-the-ground project delivery, ensuring smooth coordination across all project phases.
This is a temporary role for up to 18 months, offering an exciting opportunity to showcase your expertise in managing diverse projects with a focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation. You'll work closely with stakeholders, including Council officers, contractors, consultants, and elected members, driving collaboration to achieve exceptional outcomes.
Your responsibilities will extend across end-to-end project management, supporting and supervising junior team members while taking ownership of critical aspects of project delivery.

Main Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination and Delivery
   • Manage the delivery of capital works, ensuring alignment with Portsmouth's strategic goals and regeneration objectives.
   • Collaborate closely with the Senior Project Manager to implement plans and resolve high-level challenges while independently managing allocated projects.
   • Ensure all project documentation, including risk logs, progress reports, and financial forecasts, is maintained to the highest standards.
2. Financial Oversight
   • Develop project budgets, monitor costs, and ensure expenditures align with approved limits.
   • Support financial reporting, including analysis of project costs and value-for-money outcomes.
3. Team Leadership and Collaboration
   • Supervise Assistant Project Managers, ensuring they have clear direction and support to meet their responsibilities.
   • Act as a mentor to junior team members, fostering their professional growth and development.
   • Work with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and external consultants to drive project success.
4. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
   • Represent the Council in consultations with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard, and project outcomes are optimised.
   • Prepare and deliver high-quality reports, presentations, and updates for Project Boards and stakeholders.
   • Build strong relationships with other Council departments such as the Highways Maintenance team, ensuring smooth integration of projects with existing infrastructure.
5. Procurement and Contract Management
   • Lead on the preparation of tenders, contract documents, and the appointment of contractors in collaboration with procurement teams.
   • Oversee construction and professional framework contracts, ensuring compliance with Council policies and best practices.
6. Risk Management and Problem Solving
   • Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate their impact on project delivery.
   • Tackle challenges with a solutions-focused mindset, ensuring projects stay on track.

Qualifications
Essential:

• HND/Degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Civil Engineering, Project Management).
• Professional qualification in project management (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner) and/or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., APM).
• Significant experience in project management, ideally within civil engineering or infrastructure development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
We are looking for someone who thrives on taking responsibility while maintaining a collaborative approach:

1. Project Leadership
   • Proven experience managing projects from inception to completion, with a focus on delivering high-impact outcomes.
   • Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, oversee junior staff, and deliver to tight deadlines.
2. Stakeholder Management
   • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, from technical teams to elected members and the general public.
   • Experience in preparing professional reports, correspondence, and presentations.
3. Technical Proficiency
   • Familiarity with contracts such as NEC and advanced understanding of project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project).
   • Ability to analyse complex information, prioritise tasks, and manage resources effectively.
4. Problem-Solving and Resilience
   • A positive approach to tackling challenges, with the ability to balance competing priorities and deliver under pressure.

Why This Role?
This Project Manager role offers a unique opportunity to take on meaningful responsibilities while contributing directly to Portsmouth's sustainable transport transformation. You'll work at the heart of projects that leave a lasting legacy, supported by senior leadership and mentoring junior colleagues to foster growth and collaboration.
Join a dynamic and hardworking team that values excellence, innovation, and teamwork. Whether you're stepping up from an assistant role or looking to broaden your experience, this is an incredible chance to develop your career in project management while making a tangible difference to the city's future.
Are you ready to help shape Portsmouth's future? Be part of a team that goes the extra mile to deliver transformational projects.

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