Senior Project Manager

Salary - £48,414 - £51,377
Hybrid working (50/50)
Fixed-term, 2 years
Full or P/Time (>0.6FTE)
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

Are you an experienced Project Manager looking for a unique opportunity to make a national impact?

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to join us on a two-year contract, working at the heart of the UK Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI). Check out the project at: https://fdri.org.uk/. This £38 million, UK Government-funded initiative is the first of its kind, creating a nationwide infrastructure to monitor the entire hydrological system and improve resilience to extreme events. As Senior Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the largest work package within FDRI, coordinating site finding, procurement, engineering design, build and installation of environmental sensors across the UK.

Embedded within the delivery team, you will manage workflows across multiple specialist groups, resolve challenges, and ensure timely delivery of the ambitious work package programme. This is an exciting and dynamic role at the centre of a large multi-organisational collaboration, with excellent visibility and connections across the whole project. This role calls for a pragmatic leader with the confidence to communicate on behalf of the work package in high-profile forums, bringing strength of character and a bold approach to decision-making. You will need the tenacity to keep delivery on track, assertively managing deadlines, risks, and competing priorities while supporting and guiding the team to succeed.

With responsibility for developing and driving the workplan, you will balance strategic oversight with hands-on coordination - from managing stakeholder relationships and subcontracts, to ensuring the Catchment Champion teams are resourced, aligned, and able to build strong local partnerships. Clear, confident communication and effective team management will be key to maintaining momentum and achieving impactful outcomes.

Your Main Responsibilities Will Include:

• Develop and maintain the FDRI Observatory work package programme, manage the overall scope of work and progress to completion. 
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on project performance.
• Ensure resources and requirements are in place for the team to function effectively and successfully deliver outputs.
• Implement risk management strategies, identifying potential challenges and proactively addressing them.
• Contribute to large scale procurement and management of subcontracts including delivery partners.
• Work with the FDRI Project Office to define and manage the overall objectives, benefits, evaluation criteria, risks, budget and change control.  
• Manage stakeholder relationships, by ensuring clear communication and willingness to address concerns or feedback.
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Project Coordinator. 
• Coordinate the activities of the three Catchment Champion teams to deliver the local characterisation and monitoring designs for FDRI system installation. 
• Oversee local engagement activity undertaken by the Catchment Coordination Teams in a way that builds positive local relationships. Ensure information is captured and shared appropriately to support wider-project delivery. Liaise with FDRI Stakeholder Engagement Manager and Communications Team on materials and other requirements.
• Work with Catchment Champions to develop and monitor plans and budgets to support contract management.

By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering FDRI WP1, helping to integrate and strengthen activities that have so far been carried out by an external contractor. This is your chance to contribute directly to shaping the future of this important programme while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

For the role of Senior Project Manager, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• Practitioner-level professional certification (i.e., PRINCE2/PRINCE2 Agile, PMBOK, Apprenticeship Level 4 Project Management, APM) - or equivalent experience
• Advanced knowledge of project management tools, principles and methodologies, with demonstrable experience in delivering large and successful research, technical or other innovation projects
• An interest in environmental issues and using technology to improve research
• Experience in setting targets and managing delivery to effectively meet expectations and ensure compliance
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, address challenges, and keep diverse groups aligned
• Confidence to lead and galvanise teams within the project and organisation
• Able to balance adaptability with excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Capacity to analyse complex situations, solve problems pragmatically, and manage risks effectively to ensure successful project delivery
• Willingness to travel occasionally with prior notice within the UK

For candidates seeking part-time work, there is flexibility to adapt the role, and we invite you to propose arrangements of 3 days per week or more. 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years. 

 Working for UKCEH is rewarding 

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as: 

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure    
• 10% employer pension contribution   
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)  
• Peer reward and recognition scheme  
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal 
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave   
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...  

Apply Today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.  

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone - regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance - has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process - please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team. 

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.