Water Project Manager

Alfa AI

Reading · Permanent · Hybrid · £45,000 - £60,000/year

Drive the Future of Sustainable Infrastructure

Are you a visionary project manager ready to make a lasting impact on the UK's water sector? Alfa AI is partnering with top-tier infrastructure leaders to find an ambitious Water Project Manager based in Reading, UK. In this pivotal role, you will take full ownership of critical water and wastewater capital projects, guiding them seamlessly from initial feasibility through to final handover. You will combine technical rigor with strategic foresight, ensuring complex engineering solutions are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest environmental standards. If you thrive on solving high-stakes challenges and want to shape resilient water networks for generations to come, this is your opportunity to step into the spotlight.

Key Responsibilities

  • End-to-End Project Ownership: Lead multidisciplinary teams through the complete lifecycle of major water and wastewater infrastructure assets across the Reading region.
  • Commercial & Financial Control: Manage substantial project budgets, forecast expenditure, track KPIs, and drive value engineering to maximize financial performance.
  • Stakeholder & Partner Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for client representatives, regulatory bodies, sub-contractors, and local authorities to build lasting collaborative relationships.
  • Risk & Quality Assurance: Implement robust risk mitigation strategies, strictly enforcing UK water industry safety regulations, compliance frameworks, and environmental benchmarks.
  • Team Leadership & Delivery: Inspire and direct project teams, managing resource allocation and contractor performance to ensure continuous on-site momentum.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Proven Sector Expertise: Demonstrable track record of successfully delivering capital infrastructure projects within the UK water or utilities industry.
  • Geographic Focus: Strong familiarity with the regional water framework and regulatory landscape around Reading and the Thames Valley.
  • Project Management Credentials: Formal qualification in Project Management (e.g., APM, PRINCE2, or PMP) or equivalent hands-on leadership experience.
  • Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of standard industry contracts (such as NEC3/NEC4), procurement routes, and supply chain management.
  • Communication & Drive: Outstanding negotiation, problem-solving, and verbal communication skills, with the natural authority to align diverse teams around shared goals.

Nice-to-Have

  • Chartered Status: Professional accreditation with the ICE, CIWEM, or another recognized engineering/environmental institution.
  • Advanced Technical Knowledge: Hands-on experience with clean water treatment plants, network distribution, or innovative sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS).
  • Digital & AI Tool Adoption: Experience utilizing modern project management software, BIM workflows, or data-driven reporting systems to optimize project delivery.

What We Offer / Why Join

By applying through Alfa AI, you are entering a modern, streamlined recruitment process powered by cutting-edge technology. Our AI recruiter, Lisa, works around the clock to evaluate your unique talents quickly and fairly, connecting you directly with high-caliber employers without unnecessary delays.

In this role, you will enjoy a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and clear opportunities for senior leadership progression. You will work on transformative, high-visibility engineering initiatives that safeguard public health and protect the environment. Step forward and transform your career today—apply now to join a forward-thinking environment where your expertise is celebrated and your potential is fully realized.