Specialist Construction Project Manager

Job Title: Client-Side Construction Project Manager

Location: Warton / Samlesbury

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: £60,000+ plus overtime and benefits

Who we are: 

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As a Client-Side Construction Project Manager, you’ll plan, procure and govern the delivery of a new manufacturing, assembly or specialist test building on behalf of our aircraft manufacturing business. Owning the end-to-end delivery of this construction project, you’ll coordinate the requirements, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover – ensuring the completed facility meets the end-users needs.

Acting as client, you’ll align scope, budget, programme, quality and safety – while directing a team of multidisciplinary consultants and contractors.

Core duties:

• Act as the client, on behalf of our end-users, defining project objectives and ensuring all delivery decisions align with cost, quality and programme requirements.
• Establish, manage and control the overall project brief, scope and success criteria from inception through to completion.
• Appoint and manage the professional services team (e.g. designers, cost consultants, planners) and oversee their performance and coordination.
• Develop, maintain and oversee the project programme, ensuring key milestones, approvals and deliverables are achieved on time.
• Monitor and control the budget, including cost planning, value engineering, change control and financial reporting.
• Identify, manage and mitigate project risks, ensuring appropriate risk allowances, contingency strategies and governance are in place.
• Oversee construction delivery, monitoring progress, quality, safety and compliance with contractual and statutory obligations, (e.g. CDM Regs, Permits to Work, etc).
• Manage change management processes, ensuring variations are justified, approved and controlled in terms of cost, time and quality.
• Coordinate commissioning, handover and close-out activities ensuring the building has all required documentation, certifications and aftercare arrangements.

Essential Skills:

• Proven experience delivering large-scale construction or infrastructure projects (£20m+ preferred).
• Strong client-facing capability with excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
• Robust understanding of construction methodologies, industrial building systems and complex MEP installations.
• Experience in managing or working within NEC, JCT or equivalent contract forms.
• Competence in project management tools and methodologies (e.g. MSP, Primavera, APM framework, RIBA Plan of Works).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and risk-based decision-making skills.

The Investment Project Team:

The Investment Projects team delivers dedicated construction project management for our aircraft manufacturing business, overseeing the procurement and build of specialist facilities for new aircraft production. You will join at an early stage, supporting master planning and evolving requirements that drive demand for new buildings. As a Building Lead, you will manage your own project while collaborating closely with a small, high-performing team and wider subject matter experts. Supported by a growing professional services network, this is an opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation programme, delivering a long-term portfolio of major, innovative construction projects that will shape the future of the industry.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 5th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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