Instrumentation & Controls Project Manager

Project Manager – Instrumentation & Controls (Water Industry)Reporting To:

Contracts Manager / Operations Director

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of Instrumentation, Control and Automation (ICA) projects across the water and wastewater sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing projects from design through to commissioning and handover, ensuring delivery is achieved safely, on programme, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with water utility clients, framework partners, engineers, system integrators, subcontractors, and operational teams, the Project Manager will oversee all aspects of project delivery including health and safety, programme management, commercial performance, stakeholder engagement, technical coordination, and regulatory compliance.

Projects may include treatment works upgrades, pumping stations, telemetry systems, PLC/SCADA installations, MCC upgrades, process automation, control systems integration, and AMP capital delivery programmes.

Principal ResponsibilitiesHealth, Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a positive health, safety, and environmental culture across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, industry regulations, and company procedures.
• Review and approve Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and safety reviews.
• Ensure all personnel are trained, competent, and compliant with site-specific requirements.
• Support safe delivery of works within live operational water and wastewater environments.

Project Delivery

• Manage the delivery of ICA and automation projects from concept through to commissioning and handover.
• Develop and maintain project programmes, resource plans, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate design, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Manage project risks, technical challenges, and programme constraints.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with client specifications.
• Oversee FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), SAT (Site Acceptance Testing), commissioning, and final handover activities.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, consultants, and framework partners.
• Maintain strong relationships with operational teams, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Provide regular project updates, progress reports, and risk assessments.
• Manage technical queries, change requests, and project governance requirements.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction throughout project delivery.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Support contract administration, variations, compensation events, and change control processes.
• Work collaboratively with commercial teams to maximise project profitability.
• Monitor project costs and resource utilisation.
• Ensure contractual obligations and reporting requirements are met.

Technical Management

• Coordinate the delivery of instrumentation, control, electrical, and automation systems.
• Review technical designs, specifications, and installation standards.
• Support integration of PLC, SCADA, telemetry, and process control systems.
• Ensure compliance with client technical standards and industry regulations.
• Manage interfaces between civil, mechanical, electrical, and automation disciplines.

Quality & Commissioning

• Implement robust quality assurance and quality control processes.
• Ensure all installation, testing, and commissioning activities are completed to specification.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, test records, and as-built information.
• Support operational acceptance and successful project handover.
• Drive a right-first-time and defect-free approach to project delivery.

Leadership & Resource Management

• Lead and motivate multidisciplinary project teams.
• Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, commissioning engineers, and specialist resources.
• Support development and mentoring of project personnel.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing working environment.
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation across project delivery activities.

Candidate RequirementsEssential

• Proven experience delivering ICA, automation, electrical, or control systems projects within the water industry.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Knowledge of PLC, SCADA, telemetry, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Experience managing project programmes, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• SMSTS.
• CSCS Card.

Desirable

• HNC/HND/Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control & Instrumentation, Automation, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within AMP programmes.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts.
• Experience with major water utility frameworks.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
• APM, Prince2, or equivalent project management certification.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution.

Technical Knowledge

• PLC platforms (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric).
• SCADA and telemetry systems.
• Process instrumentation including flow, pressure, level, and analytical monitoring equipment.
• MCCs, control panels, LV electrical systems, and industrial communications networks.
• Water industry standards, commissioning procedures, and operational requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Commercially aware with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively within a regulated and operationally critical environment.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company vehicle or car allowance.
• Opportunity to work on major water infrastructure and AMP programmes.
• Long-term career development within a growing sector.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

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