Project Lead - Major Projects

The Project Lead will support the F&D Director and Executive team in delivering the Strategic Development Plan; they will lead, manage and deliver major strategic projects in the range of £10m to £25m in value, some in progress and others from inception through to completion and at times be responsible for smaller schemes as workload allows. Responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and then delivering within approved budgets, providing value for money and delivering to programme to meet the strategic plan.
• Management of the project delivery teams, project documentation, budgets, programme management, reporting, performance, etc.
• Provision of advice and support on procurement strategies and approvals processes.
• Leading on identifying risk and opportunities to the project, managing the project risk register. Application of risk management tools and strategies to enable the successful delivery of construction projects and programmes.
• Ensuring the production of detailed documentation to demonstrate the statutory and legislative compliance of projects – ensuring discharge of designer and client duties including planning, building regs, CDM 2015, and contractual obligations.

The successful candidate:

The successful candidate will have substantial experience working in a project management role in the construction sector; managing major building and estate projects from inception to completion, adept in:

• Site safety management, with knowledge and understanding of The Construction Design and Management Regulations.
• Design and specification across a broad spectrum of building types, with a thorough knowledge of planning and building regulations.
• Managing large budgets effectively.
• Working with procurement and tendering procedures.
• Management of teams of construction professionals and contractors.
• Utilising business and project management software and drawing software (e.g. AutoCAD and Revit). Also, strong numeracy and IT skills.
• Energy conservation and lifecycle cost assessments; commissioning electrical or mechanical engineering systems; specialist skills of managerial, financial, operational and strategic management (all desirable).

This position requires someone who is confident and experienced in managing and working with a broad range of internal and external stakeholder groups, and able to do so in a collaborative and diplomatic way. Excellent oral and written communication skills are key, as is strong customer focus. You must have commercial acumen and vision, initiative and high level problem solving and decision making skills. It is important, you can cope with competing demands and that you are committed to and enjoy working as part of a team.

The following qualifications or equivalent experience is required:

• A degree in an engineering or construction discipline or similar qualification and/or significant experience in a similar role.
• A project management qualification or track record including project planning and implementation, financial control, the assessment of contract strategies, contract supervision, safety and associated environmental management.
• Member of a recognised relevant professional body eg APM/ RICS/ ICE/ CIOB.
• Managing safely IOSH certificate (desirable).

Further details & to apply:

The hours of work are 40 hours per week, mainly Monday to Friday but some flexibility will be required to meet the business needs of the operation. Exact working hours each day will be subject to project requirements. This role is predominately site based at Chester Zoo.

The salary for this role is £55,907.98 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for Project Lead – Major Projects role.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 8 August.

Interviews will take place on Monday 6 September. Shortlisting will take place while the advert is live; therefore, candidates may be contacted prior to the closing date with any queries regarding their application.