Project Manager

Meridian Interiors is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery of commercial office fit-out and refurbishment projects across the UK. Projects range in value from £1,000 to over £1 million and vary in duration and complexity.

The role involves managing multiple projects from handover and planning through to completion and final client sign-off. The successful candidate will take responsibility for programme delivery, quality, health and safety, commercial performance and client satisfaction, working closely with our internal team, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.

This is a hands-on role requiring regular travel and site visits. Projects are generally within a 100-mile radius of Milton Keynes, although travel further afield may be required. Occasional weekend work may be necessary to meet project or client requirements.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project handover and planning

• Take ownership for project delivery after handover from the Pre-Contracts Manager and Managing Director, ensuring a clear understanding of the scope, deliverables and responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain project programmes, identifying key activities, dependencies, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate labour, equipment, and materials, working with the Project Coordinator to ensure resources are available when required.

Project implementation

• Attend site on the first day of each project to meet the client, oversee site establishment and ensure appropriate health, safety and environmental arrangements are in place.
• Ensure labour and materials are appropriately coordinated for project commencement.
• Brief subcontractors on the scope of works, drawings, setting-out requirements, and project programmes.
• Deliver health, safety and environmental toolbox talks, complete site-specific inductions and brief subcontractors on relevant risk assessments and method statements.

Project management and control

• Plan and prioritise workload, coordinating regular visits to multiple project sites during the working week.
• Monitor project costs, maintain accurate expenditure records and identify cost overruns at early stages.
• Identify, assess and manage contract variations, ensuring changes are documented and commercially managed to protect project profitability.
• Work with the Project Coordinator to procure materials, organise labour, maintain project plans and communicate changes to stakeholders.
• Monitor subcontractor performance and workmanship through regular inspections, ensuring compliance with drawings, specifications and quality standards.
• Review project financial risks, including supplier and contractor performance, and promptly raise concerns with the Managing Director.
• Record site waste, ensure waste transfer documentation is accurate and filed, and pursue appropriate recycling opportunities.
• Review site safety at each visit and ensure sites are safe, clean and compliant with requirements.

Project Completion and Handover

• Manage projects through to completion, ensuring agreed milestones and contractual deadlines are achieved - Including the coordination of required regulatory inspections and obtaining final sign-off.
• Ensure operation and maintenance manuals, health and safety files and other required documentation are collated and returned to the office.
• Record as-built information and communicate it to the Project Coordinator.
• Ensure sites are left clean and that snagging items are recorded, actioned and closed out.

Additional Duties

• Undertake surveys and measurements for potential additional works, recording relevant information and reporting to the Pre-Contracts Manager or Managing Director to support quotations.
• Visit prospective suppliers and contractors to review operating procedures for pre-qualification purposes.
• Work with the Managing Director on the development of the company's Integrated Management Systems.
• Build effective working relationships with clients, subcontractors and suppliers to support a reliable supply chain and a strong understanding of client needs.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as directed by the Managing Director.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• At least 3 years' relevant construction project or contracts management experience, ideally in commercial office fit-out and refurbishment.
• Experience managing multiple office fit-out or refurbishment projects, including projects valued at up to £1 million or more.
• Proven track record delivering projects in the office fit-out sector (shopfitting or external construction experience alone is not equivalent.)
• Strong understanding of construction health and safety legislation, including CDM 2015.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Commercial awareness and experience with cost control and variation management.
• Confident communicator with strong organisation, prioritisation and risk-management skills.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and other standard MS applications.
• Full, clean driving licence.
• SMSTS certification and First Aid at Work training (three-day course).

Desirable

• Relevant construction qualification, such as a degree or NVQ.
• Working knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and current environmental legislation.
• Experience using AutoCAD.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• £55,000 per annum.
• Electric company car, with charging expenses covered.
• Company pension.
• Free office parking.
• Free flu vaccinations.
• Free eye tests

• Work across project sites throughout the UK - requiring regular weekly travel.
• Anticipate high annual business mileage, which may exceed 30,000 miles.
• Attend the Milton Keynes office weekly (as required) to coordinate with colleagues and update project files.
• Work occasional weekends when necessary to ensure effective project delivery.

The successful candidate will demonstrate integrity and professional conduct, Clear / timely communication, teamwork, leadership and sound judgement. They will bring strong organisation initiative and a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.