Wates is one of the UK's leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. With a proud history spanning more than 125 years, we deliver some of the nation's most challenging and prestigious construction projects while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, innovation and social value.

Due to continued growth within our London Construction Business, we are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of major commercial construction projects across Greater London.

The Role

As a Senior Project Manager, you will take full responsibility for the end-to-end delivery of high-profile construction projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with internal delivery teams, clients, consultants, subcontractors and key stakeholders, you will provide strategic leadership across complex projects including:

• New build commercial developments
• Cut and carve refurbishments
• Major fit-out and construction works
• Mixed-use commercial schemes
• Complex city-centre projects with logistical and operational challenges

You will play a key role in driving project performance while maintaining exceptional client relationships and upholding Wates' reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of projects from pre-construction through to completion and handover.
• Lead project teams including Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers and commercial teams.
• Establish and implement project execution strategies aligned with client and business objectives.
• Manage project programmes, ensuring critical milestones are achieved.
• Oversee project planning, procurement, construction methodology and delivery strategy.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practice throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure project delivery aligns with contractual obligations and company standards.

Commercial Management

• Work collaboratively with Commercial Managers to monitor project budgets, forecasts and costs.
• Contribute to procurement strategies and subcontractor appointments.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities, implementing mitigation strategies where required.
• Review project performance and drive profitability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure robust change control and contract administration processes are in place.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for key clients and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong long-term relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Lead project meetings, progress reviews and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Ensure client expectations are exceeded through proactive communication and delivery excellence.
• Successfully manage occupied buildings and stakeholder-sensitive environments where required.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Champion Wates' commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.
• Ensure all project activities comply with relevant legislation, regulations and company procedures.
• Promote a positive safety culture across project teams and subcontractors.
• Lead quality assurance processes and ensure delivery to the highest standards.
• Drive environmental and sustainability objectives throughout project delivery.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide inspirational leadership to project teams.
• Mentor and develop Project Managers and emerging talent within the business.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement across projects.

About You

We are seeking a highly accomplished construction professional with extensive experience delivering complex commercial projects within the London market.

Essential Experience

• Proven track record delivering commercial construction projects valued between £20m and £150m+.
• Significant experience in:
  • New build commercial schemes.
  • Cut and carve refurbishments.
  • Complex construction and redevelopment projects.
• Experience managing projects in densely populated urban environments.
• Strong understanding of modern construction methodologies and building technologies.
• Demonstrable experience leading large multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders across client-side, consultant and contractor environments.
• Strong commercial awareness and contractual knowledge.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Building Surveying or related discipline.
• SMSTS.
• CSCS Black Card.
• Professional membership or working towards membership with CIOB, RICS, ICE or equivalent.
• Relevant health and safety qualifications desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Outstanding leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent client-facing and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong planning, programming and organisational skills.
• Commercially astute with excellent financial awareness.
• Effective risk management and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong understanding of JCT contracts and project governance processes.