Serco Plc
Construction Project Manager
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Client-Side Construction Project Manager (Fixed Term) – UK Defence Academy, Swindon
Role Location: UK Defence Academy, Swindon (SN6 8LA) Contract Type: 2-year fixed term Working Hours: Mon–Thurs: 8am–4pm, Fri: 8am–3:30pm Salary: Up to £60,000, dependent on experience Employer: Serco (operating under DACI & PFI contracts for Defence Academy projects)
About the Role
Serco is responsible for delivering planned, reactive, SV/ARC variation projects, as well as AMP Estates projects across the Defence Academy site.
As a Client-Side Construction Project Manager, you will ensure timely, on-budget, and compliant delivery of projects, maintaining audit standards while aligning with Serco’s contractual obligations. This role demands expertise in managing major construction projects (budgets: £2M–£30M) from inception to completion within a fast-paced, complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery & Leadership
- Lead full lifecycle construction projects, managing multi-disciplinary teams to meet time, scope, and budget targets.
- Develop and maintain business cases, budgets, governance structures, and RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies), escalating issues proactively.
- Ensure compliance with governance, assurance processes, and MOD/Serco standards, including:
- RIBA Plan of Works and Serco’s formal project management processes.
- CDM 2015, Health & Safety (H&S), and security protocols.
- Align projects with MOD building standards while meeting maintainability and contract requirements.
Stakeholder & Subcontractor Management
- Work closely with MOD customers to define business requirements, capturing needs in agreed statements of work.
- Oversee PPM (Programme Planning and Monitoring) and reactive work, coordinating subcontractors for:
- Service variation delivery.
- Asset replacement projects.
- Support to senior project managers on complex capital projects.
- Update CAFM Explorer system (projects, status, and remedial tasks) and Service Variations Systems with accurate data.
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Operational & Compliance Oversight
- Manage subcontractor administration, including contracts, cost control, and procurement under Serco’s rules.
- Conduct quality audits and site inspections, ensuring:
- Compliance with method statements, risk assessments, and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW).
- Attainment of environmental, health, safety, and security (CDM 2015; ISO/HSE standards).
- Chair external/internal meetings with stakeholders (general staff to executives).
Recording & Documentation
- Maintain complete project documentation in SharePoint, CAFM, and the Technical Library.
- Document all project governance, change management, and compliance records.
Requirements
Qualifications & Certifications
- Qualifications in Construction, Building Services Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical), Architecture, or related discipline:
- ONC/HNC/HND (minimum preferred).
- Management-level H&S certification (e.g., SMSTS, IOSH).
- Demonstrated experience with PPM, construction project lifecycle management, and CAFM systems.
Experience & Skills
- Proven track record in managing large, complex estates/FM projects (£2M–£30M scope).
- Leadership skills in:
- Team management (achieving KPIs, stakeholder engagement, cost control).
- Site operations supervision (SSOW, risk mitigation, scope prioritisations).
- Problem-solving and decision-making.
- Experience with British Standards (SFG20, BSRIA) and property development plans.
- Experience in procurement/supply chain reviews and subcontractor management.
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Technical Proficiency
- Proficient in MS Excel, Word, SharePoint, CAFM, and Microsoft Teams.
- Understanding of Defence Infrastructure estate management, MOD processes, and Serco’s PFI/DACI contracts.
Security Clearance
- BPSS/SC security clearance required (Serco will support your application).
- Typically requires 5+ years as a UK resident before application.
Benefits
On-Site Facilities & Wellbeing
- Premium site location: 2 lakes, scenic woodland, and a historic estate training UK armed services personnel.
- Free, secure onsite parking.
- Sporting facilities:
- Gym membership, 2 gymnasiums.
- 18-hole golf course (£375/year membership).
- Riding stables, tennis courts, Astro-turf football pitches.
- Subsidised club memberships.
Financial & Career Growth
- Contributory pension scheme (up to 6%).
- 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays.
- Access to 1,100+ internal training courses, qualification funding, and apprenticeships.
- Discounts programme (across 1,000+ retailers).
- ShareSave scheme (discounted access to Serco shares).
Diversity & Inclusion
- Disability Confident Silver status.
- Women in Defence Charter signatory.
- Reasnable adjustments for applicants at all stages.
- Flexible working discussions encouraged.
How to Apply
- Security clearance (BPSS/SC) is mandatory (Serco assists with the process).
- Apply promptly (roles may close quickly due to high volumes).
- For further information or site visits, visit: Link to Serco Defence Careers.
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