Programme Manager

Contract Opportunity | Inside IR35

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager / Project Director to lead the delivery of the nationally significant A417 Missing Link Project, a major highways infrastructure scheme valued at over £500m. This is a critical leadership role overseeing one of the UK's most high-profile transport projects as it enters its final construction phase ahead of opening to traffic.

Working within National Highways' Major Projects Directorate, you will provide strategic leadership across project delivery, commercial performance, governance, stakeholder engagement and programme controls. This role requires an experienced infrastructure leader who can operate within a complex environment, ensuring safe, efficient and successful delivery against challenging cost, quality and programme objectives.

The successful candidate will be expected to spend a minimum of three days per week on site in Gloucestershire, leading the project team and engaging directly with contractors, consultants and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the A417 Missing Link project through its final stages of construction.
• Provide strategic leadership across programme governance, reporting and assurance activities.
• Manage project performance relating to schedule, cost, risk and quality.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary project team and associated support functions.
• Oversee contractor and consultant performance, ensuring commercial and contractual obligations are met.
• Maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders across government, delivery partners and external organisations.
• Ensure robust health, safety and environmental standards are maintained throughout project delivery.
• Drive successful outcomes while ensuring compliance with National Highways governance and control frameworks.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading the delivery of major infrastructure projects valued at £250m+.
• Proven track record within highways, transportation, utilities, rail, water or similar complex infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of programme controls, risk management, cost management and project governance.
• Experience operating in a client-side leadership role within major projects.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience of NEC contracts and contractor management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams within complex matrix organisations.
• Professional qualifications in Project Management, Engineering, NEC or equivalent are desirable but not essential.

Package

• Inside IR35
• Competitive Day Rate
• Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project
• Hybrid Working
• Gloucestershire Site-Based (3 Days Per Week)
• Immediate Requirement
• This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role on one of National Highways' flagship infrastructure schemes, delivering a high-profile project of national importance at a critical stage in its lifecycle