Project Manager (Rail)

ALink Recruitment are working with a construction company, looking for a Project Manager with rail experience. You will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of one or more projects or commissions from inception through to close out. You will work closely and directly with clients, key stakeholders, consultants, contractors and the internal team, taking ownership of programme, cost, quality, risk and communication. You will represent us at client-facing meetings with confidence and credibility, provide clear direction to project teams and contribute to the development of repeat and new business.

The Role

• Lead the planning, management and delivery of one or more projects or programmes, including complex commissions, from inception to close out.
• Take responsibility for project objectives, scope, programme, budget, quality, risk, governance and reporting, ensuring agreed outcomes are achieved.
• Establish and maintain robust project controls, plans, trackers and reporting processes, identifying issues early and implementing appropriate corrective action.
• Act as a principal point of contact for clients and stakeholders, building trusted relationships and maintaining clear, timely and professional communication.
• Lead and coordinate internal teams, consultants, contractors and suppliers, setting expectations, monitoring performance and driving accountability.
• Manage change control, procurement and commercial matters within the project remit, including estimating works and preparing or reviewing quotations.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with relevant contractual, statutory, health and safety, environmental and quality requirements.
• Support Key Account Managers and senior colleagues in maintaining service quality, resolving escalated issues and strengthening client relationships.
• Generate repeat business and contribute to new business opportunities, including bids, tenders, proposals and fee submissions.
• Provide guidance and support to Assistant Project Managers and other team members, sharing knowledge and promoting high standards of delivery.

Essential Criteria

• At least 5 years'' project management, engineering or construction delivery experience, including responsibility for projects through the full lifecycle.
• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrable experience of independently managing projects, budgets, programmes, risks and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong technical project management knowledge, with the judgement to resolve complex delivery issues and make well-reasoned recommendations.
• Proven client-facing experience and the ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Strong commercial awareness, including experience of cost control, change management, procurement, quotations or fee proposals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation and presentation of clear reports, project information and decisions.
• Confident leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate teams, delegate effectively and hold others accountable for delivery.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and maintain close attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel and Project, or comparable project planning and reporting tools.
• A commitment to high-quality service delivery, continuous improvement and the development of long-term client relationships.
  -

Desirable Criteria

• Degree in construction, engineering, project management or a related discipline.
• Professional membership, or progress towards chartered status, with a relevant body such as APM, CIOB or ICE.
• Experience of bids, tenders, proposals and business development activity.
• Experience supervising or managing contractors and consultants.
• Experience delivering projects in a complex, regulated or operational environment.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or line managing junior project professionals.