Project Manager – Water

Stoke-on-trent, Staffordshire
Urban Connect

Project Manager / Senior Project Manager (Freelance) Water Sector
Location: Regional (UK)
Rate: £450 £525 per day (Outside IR35)
Contract: Ongoing Freelance Assignment

A leading regional main contractor in the water sector is seeking an experienced Project Manager or Senior Project Manager to support the delivery of a wastewater treatment works upgrade. This is a long-term freelance opportunity offering a competitive day rate with confirmed Outside IR35 status.

The Role

You will take ownership of a range of upgrade works on a wastewater treatment plant, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. The scheme includes a variety of civil and process-related works, requiring strong coordination across multidisciplinary teams.

Works are likely to include:

• Pipework installation and upgrades
• Reinforced concrete structures
• Drainage works
• Chemical dosing systems
• Associated infrastructure and process improvements

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of wastewater treatment works upgrade projects
• Oversee design coordination, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
• Coordinate multidisciplinary delivery across civil, mechanical, and electrical scopes
• Lead and manage subcontractors, ensuring performance, quality, and compliance
• Interface with designers, site teams, and client representatives
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental, and quality standards
• Monitor programme progress and drive delivery against key milestones
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and commercial reporting
• Support testing, commissioning, and handover processes
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues proactively

Requirements

• Proven experience as a (Senior) Project Manager within the water sector
• Strong track record delivering wastewater treatment works or similar process-driven infrastructure
• Experience working on multidisciplinary civils-led schemes (e.g. concrete, pipework, drainage)
• Good understanding of MEICA elements and programme management within water projects
• Ideally previous experience delivering projects for Severn Trent Water
• Demonstrable experience managing subcontractors and complex packages
• Good working knowledge of NEC contracts (or similar)
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced project environment

What s on Offer

• £450 £525 per day
• Outside IR35 (confirmed)
• Long-term, ongoing pipeline of work
• Opportunity to work with a respected regional contractor on critical infrastructure projects

If you are a Project Manager with a strong multidisciplinary civils background and experience delivering water sector schemes, this is an excellent opportunity to secure a long-term freelance role.