Assistant Project Manager

Location/s: Manchester or Cumbria; UK
Recruiter contact: Aoife Cullen

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. 

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. 

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit

Mott MacDonald’s Advisory and Programme Delivery (APD) unit delivers both project, programme & commercial management (PPCM) services and advisory solutions across the built environment, defence, energy, water, environmental, transportation, health and care sectors.

We deliver tailored solutions that directly address our clients’ key challenges, combining our world-leading project expertise with unrivalled programme delivery capabilities and advisory services.

APD delivers services to projects ranging in scale and complexity up to £20bn, through the technical disciplines of programme management, project management, project controls, scheduling, cost management, estimating, infrastructure finance, management consulting, digital consulting and education, health and care management.

Overview of the role

Due to continued growth across our Energy portfolio, we have exciting opportunities for Assistant Project Managers to join our expanding team in the UK. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career supporting the delivery of complex and nationally significant projects within the Civil Nuclear and Electrical Infrastructure sectors.

Working within highly regulated environments, you will support the delivery of projects across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept development through design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover. You will work alongside experienced Project Managers and technical specialists, gaining exposure to some of the industry's most challenging programmes and infrastructure investments.

We are seeking motivated and collaborative individuals who are passionate about project delivery and are keen to develop their project management skills within multidisciplinary environments. The successful candidate will support project teams to deliver projects safely, on schedule, within budget and to the required quality standards.

The role provides opportunities to work directly with clients, consultants, contractors and project stakeholders, supporting the successful delivery of projects that contribute to the UK's energy infrastructure and net-zero ambitions.

You will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of major energy infrastructure projects, supporting clients involved in the development, enhancement and operation of Civil Nuclear and Electrical Infrastructure assets.

The role offers:

• Exposure to complex and high-profile infrastructure projects
• Experience across the full project lifecycle from concept through to commissioning and handover
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced Project Managers, engineers and industry specialists
• Structured career development and progression within project management
• Experience working within highly regulated and technically complex environments
• A collaborative culture focused on safety, technical excellence, innovation and sustainability

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Support the successful delivery of infrastructure and capital projects to agreed time, cost and quality objectives
• Assist Project Managers with the management and delivery of projects throughout the full lifecycle, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover
• Support the management and coordination of multidisciplinary design teams to ensure deliverables are produced in line with programme and client requirements
• Assist in the development and maintenance of project schedules, programmes, action trackers and resource plans
• Support project governance activities, including preparation of reports, project controls information, risk registers and project documentation
• Assist with the management of project risks, issues, opportunities and change control processes
• Support cost management, forecasting, progress tracking and financial reporting activities
• Assist with the administration and management of NEC contracts or similar contract forms
• Support the coordination of consultants, contractors and project stakeholders throughout project delivery
• Participate in design review meetings, progress meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagement activities
• Support project delivery during construction phases, including monitoring progress, tracking actions and assisting with contractor performance management
• Contribute to the management of the transition from design into construction and support commissioning and handover activities
• Assist with site visits, inspections and project meetings as required
• Support compliance with CDM Regulations, health, safety and environmental requirements
• Work collaboratively within client organisations and integrated project teams, building effective relationships with stakeholders
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the successful delivery of projects and programmes

Candidate specification

Essential:

• Experience supporting the delivery of infrastructure, engineering, energy, utilities or construction projects
• Understanding of project management principles and project delivery methodologies
• Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams
• Awareness of project controls including planning, scheduling, risk management, cost management and reporting
• Experience or exposure to design and construction project environments
• Understanding of project delivery across design, procurement and construction phases
• Comfortable working within client environments and integrated project teams
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with clients, colleagues, consultants and contractors
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Demonstrates a proactive and collaborative approach to project delivery
• Willingness to travel to client offices and project sites when required

Desirable:

• Experience within Civil Nuclear, Electrical Infrastructure, Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution, Utilities or other regulated sectors
• Experience supporting projects delivered under NEC contracts
• Knowledge of project controls tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project or equivalent
• Understanding of regulated industry environments and associated project governance requirements
• Experience supporting projects through construction and commissioning phases
• Awareness of CDM Regulations and construction safety requirements

Qualifications:

• Degree qualified, or working towards a degree, in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
• APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ), or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards professional accreditation
• Membership of the Association for Project Management (APM) or another relevant professional institution is desirable

Personal attributes:

• Enthusiastic and motivated to develop a career in project management
• Strong attention to detail and organisational capability
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach
• Client-focused with a professional and positive attitude
• Comfortable working in both office and project site environments
• Adaptable and resilient, with a willingness to learn and develop
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and commitment to delivering quality outcomes
• Able to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary teams

Security and Location requirements:

• Ability to meet the security and access requirements associated with working in regulated energy environments
• Flexibility to work from client offices, project sites and company locations as required
• Full UK driving licence is desirable

Please be advised that offers for this role are conditional upon obtaining the appropriate level of Security Clearance. 

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Agile working  

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

Financial wellbeing

• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Employee Ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
• For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Lifestyle

• A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

 Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
• We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.