NEC Project Manager

Role description: We are looking for Senior Project Managers / Associate Project Managers with strong NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) experience to act as NEC4 Accredited Project Managers on National Highways major infrastructure schemes.

The role holder will operate at Competent to Specialist level, as defined by the NEC Competency Framework (Version 1, 2022), and will be responsible for the full administration of NEC4 ECC contracts, including all decisions, acceptances, assessments, notices, and certification required under the contract and National Highways amendments.

The role requires the ability to perform all NEC4 Project Manager functions without supervision, while supervising and mentoring less experienced staff, and acting impartially to achieve project objectives on high-value, strategically significant schemes (£200m+)

Role accountabilities:

• Act as the named Project Manager under NEC4 ECC contracts, administering the contract in full compliance with NEC4 conditions and National Highways amendments

• Independently undertake all Project Manager duties, including:

• Early Warning management and Risk Reduction Meetings

• Compensation Event assessment and determination

• Programme acceptance and time management

• Payment assessment, certification, and final account processes

• Issue of contractual notices, acceptances, and decisions

• Act impartially at all times, in accordance with NEC principles and professional obligations

• Deliver major infrastructure projects and programmes in line with agreed scope, budget, programme, compliance, and governance requirements

• Manage commercial risk and change proactively using NEC mechanisms

• Provide clear, defensible commercial and contractual advice to senior stakeholders

• Ensure value for money and protection of client and project objectives

• Apply in-depth technical knowledge (engineering or surveying) to the analysis of design and technical solutions

• Integrate design development into NEC decision-making, programme acceptance, and Compensation Event assessment

• Ensure technical compliance aligns with contractual and National Highways requirements

• Supervise, mentor, and support Assistant Project Managers and less experienced NEC practitioners

• Provide technical assurance and NEC subject-matter leadership within the project team

• Contribute to continuous improvement of NEC capability and best practice across the business

• Build and maintain strong relationships with National Highways, contractors, designers, and key stakeholders

• Maintain a minimum site presence of two (2) to three (3) days per week, ensuring effective on-site leadership, timely decision-making, and visibility as the NEC Project Manager

• Represent Arcadis professionally on site and at senior stakeholder forums for high-profile strategic infrastructure projects

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Chartered Engineer or Chartered Surveyor (CEng, MRICS, FRICS or equivalent)

• NEC4 Project Manager Accreditation (current)

• Delivery at Competent to Specialist level under the NEC Competency Framework

• Significant experience undertaking the NEC4 ECC Project Manager role over a sustained period

• Proven experience as named Project Manager on National Highways contracts

• Experience managing major infrastructure schemes valued at £200m+

• Demonstrated ability to perform NEC4 Project Manager duties without supervision

• Experience supervising and developing less experienced staff

• Willingness and ability to meet minimum site attendance requirements (3 days per week)

• Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships