Senior Project Manager in Knutsford, Cheshire East

Vertical Recruitment is working with a growing independent construction and project management consultancy to appoint a Senior Project Manager to its team in Knutsford.

The business has developed a strong reputation for delivering complex, fast-paced projects across the UK and internationally, with particular experience in highly operational environments. Its portfolio spans major leisure and entertainment venues, commercial developments, hospitality, industrial and refurbishment projects, including work across arenas, theatres and other technically demanding live environments.

You’ll take ownership of projects from early briefing and planning through to construction and handover, working directly with clients and leading multidisciplinary teams throughout delivery.

The consultancy takes a practical, straightforward approach to project delivery, with a focus on clear communication, problem solving and accountability.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for leading projects and workstreams through the full development and construction lifecycle, acting as a key point of contact for clients and ensuring projects remain on programme, within budget and aligned with the required quality standards.

Responsibilities will include:

* Leading projects from initial brief through to completion and handover

* Developing and managing project programmes, delivery strategies and project plans

* Coordinating consultants, contractors and wider project stakeholders

* Managing project budgets, timescales, risk and quality

* Leading client meetings and providing clear project reporting

* Managing procurement and tender processes

* Identifying project risks and resolving delivery issues proactively

* Monitoring construction progress and maintaining momentum through delivery

* Managing projects within live and operational environments

* Building strong relationships with clients and identifying opportunities for repeat work

* Supporting and mentoring junior members of the project management team

* Working closely with the senior leadership team as the consultancy continues to grow

About You

The role would suit an established Senior Project Manager from a construction consultancy, project management consultancy or client-side environment who is comfortable taking genuine ownership of projects.

Ideally, you’ll have:

* Strong construction project management experience

* Previous experience working within a consultancy environment

* Experience delivering projects through multiple RIBA stages

* A relevant degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline

* Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills

* Experience managing programmes, budgets, risk and multidisciplinary teams

* A practical, solutions-focused approach to project delivery

* The confidence to lead projects rather than simply administer them

* Experience within leisure, hospitality, entertainment venues, commercial or complex operational environments would be particularly relevant

* MRICS, MAPM, MCIOB or progress towards a professional qualification would be advantageous

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join an independent consultancy at an interesting stage of its growth. The team works across a varied portfolio, including complex projects where programme, stakeholder management and maintaining operations are particularly important.

The business is deliberately hands-on in its approach, so this would suit someone who wants visible responsibility, direct client relationships and the opportunity to influence projects, rather than becoming one part of a much larger corporate structure.

There is also scope to take on increasing responsibility as the business grows, with exposure to projects across both the UK and international markets