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Freelance Project Manager – Groundworks & Civils

Location: Colchester
Rate: £350 - £400 per day (Monday to Friday)
Contract Type: Freelance (Ongoing with Permanent Opportunity)

Fairmead are working with a highly reputable Groundworks and Civils contractor delivering critical infrastructure projects, particularly focused on highways schemes. Known for their strong partnerships with Tier 1 contractors, this company prides itself on delivering top-tier projects on time and within budget.

This role requires an experienced Project Manager with demonstrable experience in highways works and NEC contracts. You’ll play a pivotal role in driving project delivery, managing programmes, and ensuring contractual compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

* Oversee the delivery of highways groundworks projects to NEC contract standards.

* Develop, write, and update programmes of work, ensuring realistic timelines are achieved.

* Conduct fortnightly updates on project programmes, reporting progress and issues directly to the Director.

* Proactively manage project delivery, including coordinating resources, subcontractors, and site teams.

* Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards across all phases.

* Manage project documentation, including progress reports, risk assessments, and method statements.

* Monitor financial performance, ensuring cost controls and budget adherence.

* Oversee contract administration specific to NEC responsibilities, including early warnings, compensation events, and stakeholder communication.

* Identify risks, mitigations, and opportunities, ensuring projects remain on track and meet client expectations.

* Build and maintain strong relationships with Tier 1 clients, ensuring successful project outcomes.

Skills & Requirements:

* Proven experience as a Project Manager within Groundworks and Civils, specifically highways schemes.

* Valid CSCS Card, SMSTS, and First Aid Certification (essential).

* Strong knowledge and experience managing projects under NEC contracts (essential).

* Exceptional IT and literacy skills – capable of writing and managing project programmes, reporting, and key documentation.

* Ability to lead, manage, and motivate teams to deliver results under tight timelines.

* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to liaise effectively with clients, subcontractors, and site teams.

* Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental requirements on highways projects.

* Commercially astute with the ability to monitor costs and ensure project profitability.

Why This Opportunity?

* Work with an established contractor delivering major infrastructure projects with Tier 1 clients.

* Opportunity to take ownership of a significant project with ongoing freelance work and the option to move into a permanent role.

* Competitive day rate and autonomy to deliver results while reporting at director level.

If you have the skills, NEC experience, and highways project background, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a thriving organisation and progress your career with meaningful project delivery.

Apply today to learn more about this role