Multi Utility Project Manager

Department: Strategic Project Delivery

Reports to: Head of Strategic Project Delivery

Location: Reading / London

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Multi Utility Strategic Project Manager (SPM) to join our Strategic Delivery team. This role entails overseeing the safe, compliant installation of electrical and water infrastructure with a focus on quality, adherence to approved designs, and compliance with current legislation and Codes of Practice. As the primary point of contact for post-sales and pre-adoption activities, the SPM will work closely with Leep’s contracted customers and project stakeholders. The position requires strong leadership to manage Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE), CDM regulations, programme forecasting, design integrity, legal consents, financial controls, subcontractor management, and asset compliance. Additionally, the SPM will identify new business risks and collaborate with internal stakeholders to mitigate them effectively.

The Strategic Delivery team is responsible for some of Leep’s highest-profile and most iconic projects, including Battersea Power Station and the Canada Water masterplan, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and innovation in utility infrastructure delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Oversight: Manage end-to-end project integrity of customer and commercial contract requirements, regulatory obligations, and ensure the infrastructure is installed to specification and meets adoptable quality standards.
• Cross-functional Support: Assist the wider business across all levels with any delivery-related matters.
• Progress Reporting: Collect and provide regular updates on project progress and maintain trackers and ensure all relevant stakeholders are kept up to date.
• Documentation: Archive post-sales and pre-adoption project information in designated directories or management systems.
• Design Approvals: Ensure all ICP/SLP designs receive full approval from appointed design consultants in line with all regulatory or commercial contract requirements.
• Invoice Management: Raise purchase orders and review invoices promptly, challenging discrepancies when necessary.
• Procurement Management: Involvement in the identification and engagement of new suppliers and contractors.
• Contractor Setup: Work with the Asset Operations Management team to ensure suitable COMER/Water Framework contractors are in place for operational sites.
• Contractor Compliance: Ensure contractors adhere to business processes related to SHE, operational compliance, and other standards.
• Asset Handover: Coordinate with the Asset Operations team to ensure seamless handover of new assets, complete with relevant documentation and support on the development of safe and efficient plant replacement strategies before energisation.
• Installation Standards: Maintain high standards for installation, pre-energisation checks, and project sign-off.
• Snag Management: Oversee project handovers and manage snagging to satisfactory completion.
• Risk Escalation: Act as a key account manager, escalating significant risks and issues to the Head of Strategic Projects.
• Future Projects: Support future capital project works involving construction and adoption.
• Audits and Inspections: Conduct contractor audits and site safety inspections.
• Budget Adherence: Ensure budgets are met, managing scope changes through variations and derogations.
• Connection Forecasting: Accurately forecast and track real-time water and electrical connections against project totals.

About You

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in project management or operations within the utility sector.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with DNO/IDNO, Water Co/SLP organizations, and general utility industry practices.
• Contractor Management: Proven track record in managing utility contractors.
• SHE Expertise: Experience with SHE management and audit processes.
• Regulatory Standards: Understanding of applicable regulatory standards and compliance processes.
• Financial Skills: Proficiency in fiscal project controls, forecasting, and management.
• Technical Skills: Strong computer and reporting capabilities.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in terms of time, location, and responsibilities, with a willingness to learn.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to foresee potential issues and implement solutions proactively.
• Certifications: Project management qualification (e.g., APM, Prince 2) preferred.

Electric- Specific Experience

• Familiarity with DNO (NERS) and IDNO adoption processes up to 33KV.
• Knowledge of distribution network construction up to 33KV.
• Proficiency in legal consents, ESQCR regulations, and Guaranteed Standards.
• Understanding of NRSWA, NJUG requirements, and electric design principles.
• Familiarity with P.2.8 and PV G99/G100 requirements.

Water- Specific Experience

• Understanding of WIRS accreditations and water hygiene regulations (Blue Card).
• Knowledge of NAV processes, regulatory timelines, and Regs 5 requirements.
• Experience with pressure testing and water quality procedures for mains testing.
• Familiarity with infrastructure charges and standard water network configurations.

This role is pivotal to ensuring Leep’s Strategic projects meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance while maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Your Development and Benefits

At Leep, we believe in stable growth and putting our people first. Our 5-year strategic growth plan gives us stability today and prepares us for the future, while nurturing a strong collaborative and supportive culture.

Our benefits include:

• Salary which aligns to your experience and skillset
• 25 days paid holiday + bank holidays
• An additional day off to celebrate your birthday
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Car allowance
• Company pension plan
• Health Cash plan through Westfield Health
• Option to purchase additional holiday days through our Holiday Buying Scheme
• Engagement committee with events throughout the year, including Christmas Party, Summer Party and individual team socials
• Paid professional memberships relevant to your role and access to professional development opportunities

Our Values

At the forefront of everything we do:

Safety, Customer, Promise, Accountability, Reliability, Respect, Flexibility

Equal Opportunities

Leep Utilities is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you require any appropriate accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.