Project Manager (Regional) - Manufacturing Facilities & Infrastructure

Our client are looking for a Regional Project Manager for their Manufacturing Facilities and Infrastructure Construction across the UK, Europe, Middle East & North Africa. Responsibilities End-to-End Project Management  Oversee the full lifecycle management of industrial plant and facility construction projects, from initial site surveys, site selection, planning application submission and approval, EIS, design review, tendering, procurement, and construction management to final handover and post-completion rectifications. Ensure compliance with cost, schedule, quality, and regulatory requirements (e.g., BREEAM, Made Smarter in UK).  Lead project planning across all phases, including feasibility studies, design, construction, and commissioning. Collaborate with infrastructure engineers, designers, cost consultants, and other specialists to develop detailed project execution plans.  Support risk management throughout the project lifecycle, identifying potential risks (e.g., resource shortages, regulatory changes, labour shortages), conducting risk analysis, and proposing mitigation measures.  Design & Technical Management  Actively participate in the design phase, liaising closely with UK-based design firms and China-based teams to align technical standards (e.g., differences between Chinese GB and UK BS/EN/GCC standards). Conduct thorough design reviews to ensure compliance with project requirements.  Lead local standard adaptation efforts, ensuring designs meet UK national standards (e.g., BS, IEC, NFPA, EN), local regulations, building regulations (Part B, F, L etc) and FIDIC contract terms.  Optimise design to control costs (e.g., reducing steel usage) without compromising quality.  Conduct design briefings to clearly communicate intent and technical requirements to construction teams, resolving any design-construction interface issues to ensure smooth project progression.  Construction Management  Manage and supervise all construction activities, developing detailed schedules, sequencing works, and allocating resources to meet deadlines. Regularly monitor progress and address delays.  Implement robust quality control systems, defining standards and inspection protocols. Conduct daily site checks and milestone inspections, issuing rectification notices for non-conformances to ensure industry-leading quality.  Enforce strict safety protocols, including safety training, routine inspections, and hazard elimination to prevent accidents.  Resource Management  Evaluate and recommend UK-based design firms, engineering consultancies, and contractors. Familiar with contract types (e.g., NEC4 ECC design and build, or JCT traditional subcontracting) to balance cost and risk. Lead contract negotiations, assist in tender documentation preparation, and mitigate contractual risks (e.g., price caps, delay penalties). Scrutinise proposals and suggest optimisations to ensure delivery quality.  Coordinate resource allocation (manpower, materials, budget) to maximise efficiency and prevent shortages or wastage.  Familiar with the UK construction materials market (e.g., primary steel supply). Manage stakeholder, suppliers and subcontractors, establishing selection criteria, tendering processes, and performance monitoring to ensure timely, quality delivery.  Cost Control & Financial Management  Collaborate with the team to develop project estimates, budgets, and cost calculations. Familiar with NRM standards, conduct phased cost estimation (construction, procurement, design, general expenses ) and set cost control targets.  Monitor expenditures rigorously, identifying variances and implementing corrective measures (e.g., design optimisations, procurement adjustments) to stay within budget.  Oversee project finances, including funding plans, cash flow management, and financial reporting to ensure liquidity.  Handover & Closeout  Organise final inspections, coordinating stakeholders to verify compliance with quality, operational, and documentation requirements.  Rectify defects promptly and oversee completion of punch-list items.  Facilitate smooth handover from contractor ensuring good readiness of documentation and training for operational readiness.  Government & Compliance Liaison  Engage with planning authorities, environmental agencies, and other government bodies to expedite approvals and secure permits, ensuring full legal compliance.  Resolve permitting disputes with local authorities.  Additional Duties  Train China-based teams on UK standards (on-demand).  Across team process optimization (e.g., standardizing cross-border project management templates). Other department-related tasks as assigned.  Requirements  10+ years’ UK industrial project experience (preference for heavy industries: wind power, shipyards, automotive plants). Successfully delivered ≥2 UK industrial projects (budget ≥£30M each, full lifecycle from planning to commissioning).  APM/PMP or RICS/MICE certification advantageous.  Expertise in UK RIBA, CDM 2015, NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework).  Established network covering local authorities, design firms, and subcontractors.  UK nationality or valid work rights mandatory.  In-depth knowledge of UK construction regulations, market practices, and project workflows.  Strong engineering background in civil/structural/MEP, with hands-on industrial facility experience.  Proficient in Auto CAD/Project/BIM-Revit/Primavera/ and modern project management methodologies.  Familiarity with UK design/construction standards and quality compliance.  Financial acumen for budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.  Problem-solving agility to identify and mitigate risks in complex projects.  High ethical standards, resilience, and adaptability under pressure.  Familiarity with Freeport special policies. Willingness to travel UK-wide (EU + Middle East & North Africa) for onsite oversight.  Employment Type: Full-time, contract (probation: 3 months).  Reporting object: Overseas Infrastructure Director. Advantageous  Certificate: CEng Experience collaborating on Chinese overseas projects or working for Chinese companies.  Mandarin proficiency.