Area Project Manager

  • Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
  • Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
  • 07/10/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

Lead Major Projects Across the Defence Estate

Are you an experienced project leader looking for an opportunity to manage complex construction and engineering programmes while leading a high-performing team?

We're seeking an Area Project Manager to take ownership of a diverse portfolio of capital and lifecycle projects across a major Defence estate. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine strategic leadership, commercial responsibility and project delivery expertise in a role that genuinely impacts critical military infrastructure and the people who rely on it every day.

Your new company
As Area Project Manager, you'll lead a team of Project Managers responsible for delivering a substantial programme of projects across your region. From project inception through procurement, construction and handover, you'll ensure works are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, operational teams and supply chain partners, you'll help shape and deliver future investment programmes while driving continuous improvement across project delivery processes.
This is a senior leadership position offering significant responsibility, influence and the chance to play a key role in the ongoing development of the Defence estate.

Your new role

  • Lead and develop a team of Project Managers, providing coaching, mentoring and performance support.
  • Oversee the delivery of multiple construction, refurbishment and infrastructure projects.
  • Manage project programmes, budgets and commercial performance across your area.
  • Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, customers and delivery partners.
  • Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation, CDM regulations and industry standards.
  • Identify and manage project risks, opportunities and programme dependencies.
  • Drive quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction throughout project delivery.
  • Support sustainability objectives and identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact.
  • Monitor supply chain performance and ensure value for money is achieved.

What you'll need to succeed
You'll be an experienced project or programme professional with a strong background in construction, engineering, property, facilities management or infrastructure environments.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

  • Proven experience leading multiple projects or programmes.
  • Experience managing and developing project delivery teams.
  • Strong commercial and financial management skills.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
  • HNC (or equivalent) in Building, Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Construction or a related discipline.
  • Project Management qualification (PRINCE2, APM or equivalent).
  • IOSH qualification or equivalent health and safety certification.
  • Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

  • Defence, MOD or public sector infrastructure experience.
  • Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.
  • NEBOSH, SMSTS or equivalent.
  • Membership of a relevant professional body.
  • Knowledge of defence estate processes and asset management environments.

What you'll get in return

  • Salary of £55,000 - £60,000
  • Annual bonus scheme
  • Company car or car allowance
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • 6% matched pension contribution
  • Private medical cover for you and your partner
  • Life assurance (2x salary)
  • Professional membership subscription paid annually
  • Ongoing training and career development opportunities

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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