Project Manager - Stay Cable Bridge

Project

VSL, part of Bouygues Construction, is a global leader in specialist construction and structural engineering solutions, delivering complex bridge, structural repair, post-tensioning and specialist civil engineering projects across the UK and internationally.

The initial focus of this role will be the Narrow Water Bridge project in Curnamucklagh, Ireland, involving the supply and installation of stay cables, with elements of the project also requiring travel to Belgium. The works are expected to continue until mid-2027.

Beyond Narrow Water Bridge, the Project Manager will support VSL's wider portfolio of new-build, repairs and preservation projects. Our specialist projects are delivered across a variety of locations and typically last from several months to around a year. The role therefore requires someone who is mobile, flexible and comfortable working across different project locations as business needs develop.

Role Overview

The Project Manager will be responsible for the safe and successful delivery of specialist civil engineering projects, ensuring works are completed safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards.

Initially supporting the Narrow Water Bridge project, the role will lead the delivery of stay cable works and coordinate project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, technical teams and client representatives.

Following completion of the project, the role will support VSL's wider new-build, repairs and preservation activities across the UK, Ireland and potentially other European locations.

Main Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Lead and coordinate construction activities to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

• Initially manage the delivery of stay cable works on the Narrow Water Bridge project.

• Develop and manage project programmes, priorities and resources.

• Monitor project progress, productivity, quality and overall performance.

• Identify and manage project risks, constraints and delivery challenges.

• Support project mobilisation and transition between VSL projects as required.

• Ensure works are delivered in accordance with contractual and client requirements.

Commercial & Supply Chain Management

• Manage suppliers, subcontractors and specialist work packages.

• Support procurement and negotiation of subcontract and supplier packages.

• Monitor project costs and performance against agreed budgets.

• Work closely with commercial teams to manage variations, changes and project risks.

• Maintain strong commercial awareness throughout project delivery.

Technical & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with designers, technical teams and engineering specialists throughout project delivery.

• Support the resolution of technical and constructability issues during pre-construction and construction.

• Liaise effectively with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and other project stakeholders.

• Ensure technical information is communicated effectively between design and site teams.

• Support the delivery of technically complex bridge, structural and specialist civil engineering works.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment for all project team members in accordance with VSL's Health & Safety standards.

• Ensure projects comply with relevant quality, environmental and regulatory requirements.

• Promote a positive safety culture across project teams and supply chain partners.

• Ensure appropriate project controls, procedures and reporting requirements are maintained.

• Lead by example in promoting VSL's standards and values.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Significant Project Management experience within civil engineering, infrastructure or specialist construction.

• Strong experience delivering complex construction projects from mobilisation through to completion.

• Experience within bridges, stay cables, post-tensioning, structural repairs or specialist civil engineering would be advantageous.

• Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline preferred.

• Experience managing projects within demanding safety, quality and programme environments.

• CSCS certification.

• SMSTS / SSSTS.

• IOSH Managing Safely.

• Temporary Works Co-ordinator certification desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong project planning and programme management capability.

• Proficient in MS Project and standard project management tools.

• Good understanding of construction methodology, temporary works and buildability.

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project cost control.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and project documentation.

• Confident managing technical and operational issues throughout the project lifecycle.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate project teams.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Proactive and solutions-focused approach to project delivery.

• Confident decision-maker with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Commercially aware with a strong focus on project performance.

• Mobile and flexible, with a willingness to work across different project locations as VSL's project requirements develop.

• Comfortable working on projects across the UK, Ireland and potentially other European locations.

• Interested in working across a varied portfolio of specialist civil engineering projects.

VSL/Bouygues Construction is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy is available upon request.