Capital Project Manager

Dorchester, Dorset
Connect2Dorset

5 days a week

Hybrid – Onsite Dorchester/Bridport 2 days a week

Commencing Aug 26 – Rolling contract

450 to 550 a day

Inside IR35

Interim Capital Project Manager

Role Overview

The Council is seeking an experienced interim Capital Project Manager to lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital projects across multiple service areas, including:

• Children’s and SEND Capital Programmes
• Adults, Prevention and Housing Capital Programmes
• Economy and Environment Capital Programmes
• Corporate Capital Programmes

Projects may range from building refurbishments and extensions through to major new-build developments and infrastructure schemes delivered through a variety of procurement routes and construction contracts, including NEC and JCT forms of contract.

The postholder will provide client-side project leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from project inception and business case development through design, procurement, construction and handover. The role requires strong project management, commercial, contract administration, stakeholder management and governance skills to ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and in accordance with Council policies and governance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Project Delivery

• Lead the successful delivery of a portfolio of capital construction and infrastructure projects.
• Manage projects through all stages of the project lifecycle, including feasibility, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover.
• Act as the Council’s client-side lead, ensuring project objectives and outcomes are achieved.
• Develop and maintain project execution plans, programmes and governance arrangements.
• Ensure projects comply with statutory requirements, corporate policies and approved business cases.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with agreed scope, quality, budget and programme requirements.

Contract Management

• Administer and manage projects delivered under NEC and JCT forms of contract.
• Lead contract management activities throughout project delivery.
• Monitor contractor performance against contractual obligations.
• Manage instructions, variations, compensation events, change control and contractual correspondence.
• Review and assess contractor programmes, progress and performance.
• Ensure contractual records are maintained and auditable.
• Support procurement activities and contractor appointments in accordance with Council procurement requirements.

Commercial and Financial Management

• Develop and manage project budgets and cost plans.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and funding allocations.
• Work closely with Quantity Surveyors and commercial advisors to manage project costs.
• Review valuations, payment applications, change requests and final accounts.
• Ensure robust financial control and value for money throughout project delivery.
• Identify and manage potential financial risks and opportunities.

Programme and Risk Management

• Develop and maintain project delivery programmes and reporting schedules.
• Monitor project progress and ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Identify, assess and manage risks, issues and dependencies.
• Maintain project risk and issue registers.
• Lead risk mitigation activities and ensure timely escalation where required.
• Implement effective change control processes across projects.

Design, Quality and Compliance

• Manage the design development process and ensure delivery against approved project requirements.
• Coordinate consultants, designers and technical advisors throughout project delivery.
• Ensure design quality and technical compliance are maintained.
• Support compliance with Building Regulations, Planning Conditions, CDM Regulations and other statutory requirements.
• Ensure sustainability, environmental and accessibility requirements are incorporated where required.

Governance and Reporting

• Prepare reports, briefings and presentations for senior leadership teams, boards and committees.
• Provide regular reporting on project performance, including programme, budget, risks and key decisions.
• Ensure projects comply with the Council’s governance framework and delegated authority arrangements.
• Support business case development, approvals and gateway reviews.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with service managers, operational teams, consultants, contractors and partner organisations.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate project decision-making.
• Support consultation and engagement activities where required.
• Represent the Council at project meetings, workshops and governance forums.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience delivering capital construction and infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience administering NEC and/or JCT construction contracts.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams and external consultants.
• Strong commercial and financial management experience.
• Experience working within public sector, local authority or similar governance environments.
• Experience managing projects through design, procurement and construction phases.
• Risk, programme and stakeholder management experience.

Desirable Experience

• Experience delivering projects across education, SEND, housing, healthcare, public realm, infrastructure or corporate estate sectors.
• Experience working with external funding streams and grant-funded projects.
• Knowledge of sustainability, decarbonisation and net-zero initiatives.
• Experience of framework procurement routes and public procurement regulations.
• Experience of managing contractors under Design and Build arrangements.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Project Management, Construction, Engineering, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
• Professional membership of APM, CIOB, RICS, ICE or equivalent professional body.

Desirable

• PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent.
• NEC Project Manager Accreditation.
• Management qualification or leadership training.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Commercially aware with sound financial acumen.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple projects.
• Collaborative and outcome-focused approach.
• Proactive risk management mindset.
• Ability to operate effectively within complex organisational and governance structures.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Senior Design Manager and Head of Capital Delivery / Capital Delivery Strategic Lead

Corporate Responsibilities

The postholder will:

• Support the Council’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Comply with all safeguarding responsibilities.
• Adhere to Health & Safety legislation and CDM requirements.
• Comply with Data Protection legislation and information governance requirements.
• Operate in accordance with the Council’s financial regulations and procurement procedures.
• Promote sustainability and environmental objectives throughout project delivery.

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP – A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.