Actemium Automation Hampshire - Senior Project Manager/Sector Lead

Actemium Automation Hampshire

Package: Competitive Salary + Bonus + Pension + Private Healthcare + EV Car Scheme + Share Scheme

Lead Projects. Develop People. Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure.

At Actemium Automation Hampshire, we deliver industry-leading automation, control systems and digital solutions to the UK water sector, helping water companies improve reliability, operational efficiency, asset performance and sustainability.

As part of the VINCI Energies Group, we combine the strength and stability of a global engineering organisation with the agility, culture and customer focus of a specialist automation business.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager / Sector Lead to join our leadership team, taking responsibility for the successful delivery of water industry automation projects whilst leading and developing a team of Project Managers and Engineers. This is a strategic leadership role that combines operational delivery, team management, customer engagement and business development.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Project Manager / Sector Lead, you will lead the delivery of PLC, SCADA and industrial automation projects across water and wastewater treatment facilities, pumping stations, reservoirs and network infrastructure.

You will oversee a team responsible for delivering complex control system projects throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

You will also act as a sector specialist, developing long-term relationships with water utility customers, identifying opportunities within AMP programmes and contributing to the strategic direction of the Business Unit.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced project leader looking to influence both operational performance and the future growth and direction of a successful automation business.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Project Managers and Engineers.

• Manage performance reviews, development plans, training requirements and regular 1-2-1 meetings.

• Support recruitment activities and workforce planning within the sector.

• Promote a strong culture of safety, wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

• Work closely with the Business Unit Manager and wider leadership team to support business objectives.

• Provide leadership support and cover for the Business Unit Manager when required.

Project Delivery

• Lead the successful delivery of automation and control system projects across the water and wastewater sector.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and in accordance with customer specifications.

• Oversee project planning, resource allocation, risk management and delivery performance.

• Review project designs, quotations and technical solutions.

• Coordinate resources across multiple projects and project teams.

• Drive continuous improvement through project reviews and lessons learned.

Commercial & Business Development

• Develop and strengthen relationships with key water industry customers and framework partners.

• Identify opportunities for future projects, upgrades and asset improvement programmes.

• Support business development activities, account management and tender submissions.

• Review and support the preparation of quotations and commercial proposals.

• Demonstrate strong commercial awareness through contract review, negotiation and subcontractor management.

• Ensure projects are administered and delivered in accordance with NEC contract requirements, supporting effective commercial management and successful customer outcomes.

Technical & Sector Leadership

• Act as the technical and strategic lead for the Water sector within the Business Unit.

• Support the development and implementation of engineering standards and best practices.

• Ensure solutions align with industry regulations, customer requirements and technological developments.

• Promote innovation and digitalisation opportunities that support customer operational goals.

• Support consistency and collaboration across project delivery teams.

About You

We are looking for a commercially aware and people-focused leader with a strong background in industrial automation and water industry project delivery.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience within system integration, industrial automation or control systems engineering.

• Proven experience delivering projects within the UK water and wastewater industry.

• Strong understanding of PLC, SCADA and telemetry systems.

• Demonstrable leadership experience managing project teams and technical resources.

• Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle from concept through to commissioning and handover.

• Experience preparing and reviewing technical quotations and project scopes.

• Strong subcontractor, stakeholder and customer management experience.

• Commercial awareness with experience managing contracts, budgets and project profitability.

• Strong working knowledge and practical experience of NEC3 and/or NEC4 contracts within engineering, utilities, infrastructure or water industry projects.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management capability.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to build lasting relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues.

• Organised and methodical approach with excellent prioritisation skills.

• Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and project planning tools.

• Financial awareness and understanding of project cost control.

• Proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused mindset.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Why Join Actemium Automation Hampshire?

At Actemium, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You'll be joining a collaborative and supportive team delivering critical infrastructure projects that make a genuine difference to communities across the UK.

Impact?

If you're an experienced Senior Project Manager, Programme Manager, Framework Manager or Sector Lead with a background in the water industry and industrial automation, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Actemium Automation Hampshire and play a leading role in delivering innovative automation solutions that support the future of the UK's water infrastructure.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates; however, please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application and throughout their employment.