Visitor Centre Senior Project Manager
Our Water company client are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead delivery of a new visitor centre at the Havant Thicket Reservoir on the South Coast.
The role is a permanent position with the ideal candidate able to be on site 3 days a week minimum.
Our client are looking to create a visitor centre that reflects the beauty and importance of a landmark reservoir build project – a place where the community can connect with nature, learn about water sustainability, and enjoy the surrounding environment.
You will guide the project through every stage – from design and procurement to construction and smooth transition into daily operations. Before work begins, a comprehensive site management plan will be established to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental care throughout the build.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as NEC Project Manager for the Visitor Centre design and construction contracts, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality.
Oversee all project phases – design development, planning application, construction, commissioning, and handover into operations.
Lead and coordinate the multidisciplinary project team, including QS, H&S, PMO, design, planning, procurement, finance, and commercial functions.
Champion health, safety, wellbeing, quality, and environmental performance across all project activities.
Scrutinise contractor submissions such as payment applications, programmes, compensation events, and early warnings.
Chair coordination meetings with designers, contractors, and stakeholders
Develop and manage key stakeholder relationships, securing agreement on project delivery plans and communicating progress clearly.
Represent client at stakeholder and public consultation meetings, ensuring transparency and collaboration
Work with consultancy and local council partners (client Operations team, Forestry England, Hampshire County Council, LPAs) to develop the Site Management and Recreation Plans.
Plan and manage the transition into operations, including team mobilisation and procurement of operational contracts.
Ensure compliance with all relevant planning, environmental, and statutory regulations, including CDM, Building Regulations, and Section 106 agreements.
Provide regular progress reporting and governance papers to support informed decision-making and maintain project accountability.Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
Strong communication and team leadership skills
Good analytical skills with the ability to review and write technical specifications, procurement strategies, business cases, decision support papers and progress reports.
Strong appreciation of risk management techniques, with experience of managing budgets for construction projects
Good knowledge of construction materials, processes and equipment
Excel/Powerpoint/Word/Teams
Experience of using Contract Management Software would be an advantage
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field of study
More than 10 years of experience of design and construction management
Experience of leading design and build projects
NEC contract management experience is essential.
Chartered with a relevant institution e.g. MICE, MIET
Project management qualification (PRINCE, APM or PMI)
Retail, catering or visitor facilities experience would be an advantage
Full driving licenceBenefits
£76-86k base salary
3 or 4 days based on site with some flex around home life
27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Excellent water company pension (up to 15%)
Up to 6% company discretionary bonus
Private medical