Senior Project Manager - Tunnels & Shafts

Pumped Storage Hydro | Major Energy Infrastructure

Scotland | Hybrid / Site-Based

Our client is delivering one of the UK’s most significant Pumped Storage Hydro projects, a major piece of energy infrastructure that will play an important role in strengthening energy security, supporting grid stability and enabling the UK’s transition to net zero.

As the project progresses towards construction, they are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Project Manager – Tunnels & Shafts to take client-side ownership of a defined area of the Main Works package. This is a senior delivery position focused specifically on the project’s underground works, including headrace and tailrace tunnels, shafts and associated underground civils .

The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Construction Manager, Engineering Manager, NEC Project Managers and wider client-side delivery team, providing visible leadership on site and driving contractor performance across safety, programme, cost, quality and construction delivery.

The Company

Our client is developing major energy infrastructure projects that will support the UK’s future electricity system and accelerate the transition towards a more flexible and resilient low-carbon energy network.

This is an opportunity to join a growing client-side delivery team at a critical stage of a flagship Pumped Storage Hydro development. You will have significant responsibility within your area of delivery and the opportunity to work alongside leading contractors, engineers and infrastructure specialists on a technically complex project.

Key Responsibilities

• Take client-side ownership of the Tunnels & Shafts area, covering headrace and tailrace tunnels, shafts and associated underground civils.
• Provide visible leadership on site, promoting high standards of health, safety and environmental performance.
• Represent the client directly with contractors, driving performance against programme, milestones, KPIs, budget and quality requirements.
• Lead oversight of construction activities, including sequencing, access, logistics and enabling works.
• Review construction methodologies, method statements, lift plans, temporary works and other critical delivery documentation.
• Lead risk reviews for construction activities, identifying and mitigating HSE, environmental and constructability risks.
• Act as the NEC Project Manager’s delegate on site where required, supporting Early Warnings, Compensation Events and contract risk management.
• Coordinate design queries and field changes with the Engineering Manager and manage consequential impacts on programme and construction sequencing.
• Manage interfaces between the Tunnels & Shafts package and adjacent civil, M&E, OEM and EHV packages.
• Work closely with contractors throughout mobilisation, construction, completions and handover to maintain delivery performance.
• Support quality, inspection, testing, NCR and defects close-out processes alongside the NEC Supervisor and Quality Manager.
• Support environmental compliance, planning conditions, consents and stakeholder requirements throughout delivery.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Tier 1 contractor environment , typically as a Senior Project Manager, Project Manager or Section/Package Manager on a £400m+ heavy civils or tunnelling package .
• Significant experience specifically across tunnelling, shafts and associated underground civil engineering works .
• Experience delivering major hydropower or Pumped Storage Hydro projects is highly desirable, although comparable heavy civils, tunnelling or major power infrastructure experience will be considered.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex civil, MEICA or HV interfaces within a multi-contract delivery environment.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 ECC Option C , including Early Warnings, Compensation Events, contract risk registers and the respective responsibilities of the Project Manager and Supervisor.
• Excellent understanding of site-based HSE processes and UK construction regulations, including CDM 2015.
• Strong knowledge of construction quality, completions and ITP/NCR processes.
• Civil Engineering degree or equivalent with Chartered status (CEng MICE or equivalent) essential .
• Strong understanding of project controls, risk management, construction planning and programme interrogation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to maintain accurate contractual and site records.
• Competitive senior salary with performance-related bonus.
• Pension and private medical cover.
• Relocation support available where required.
• Accommodation provided within easy reach of the project site.
• Travel expenses covered between home, the London HQ and project site.
• Opportunity to work on a nationally significant Pumped Storage Hydro development.
• Significant ownership and influence within the client-side construction team.
• Long-term opportunity within a growing energy infrastructure organisation.

Location & Working Pattern

Prior to the project starting on site, expected in Q2–Q3 2027 , the role will be based from the client’s London HQ on a hybrid basis, with three days in the office and two flexible days.

Once construction begins, the role will become primarily site-based, with a typical steady-state pattern of two to three days on site each week , increasing or decreasing depending on project requirements. Accommodation and travel expenses will be provided.

Mint Selection is committed to inclusive hiring and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to building diverse teams that are driving the future of sustainable energy infrastructure.

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