Project Manager (Major Projects) (Cardiff, Central, GB) reference: 1249680501

Opportunity Review: Project Manager (Major Projects) at Associated British Ports (ABP)

Associated British Ports (ABP) is a major player in keeping Britain trading and is at the forefront of enabling the UK's energy transition. As the nation's largest ports group, they manage a vast network of 21 locations, handling approximately 100 million tonnes of cargo annually. This is an exciting time to join ABP, as they are seeking a highly skilled Project Manager to spearhead the delivery of significant, complex infrastructure projects that are crucial for their growth and the advancement of green energy solutions across the UK.

This role is based in South Wales and Southwest and falls within the Major Projects function, reporting directly to the Head of Programme. The closing date for applications is 3rd October 2025.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Career Growth: This is an exceptional opportunity to lead high-profile, complex infrastructure projects, typically valued between £20 million and £200 million+. You will have ownership of projects from their initial strategic definition through to operational handover, offering a comprehensive project lifecycle experience.
• Contribution to National Significance: You will play a pivotal role in shaping the UK's energy transition and driving major infrastructure investment. The projects directly contribute to ABP's mission of "Keeping Britain Trading" and "Enabling the Energy Transition," providing a strong sense of purpose.
• Diverse and Ambitious Projects: The role offers exposure to two critical and substantial project areas:
  • Landside Infrastructure: This includes the development of quayside infrastructure, port buildings, structures, and transport links, with a significant planned portfolio exceeding £250 million. You will also oversee a key landside ecology package.
  • Connections (Statutory Undertakers’ Works): This involves delivering major utility connections and enabling works, essential for both port operations and the burgeoning offshore wind sector. This package is valued at over £50 million and requires expertise in large-scale utilities management.
• Leadership and Development: You will lead multi-disciplinary project teams, honing your leadership skills and driving performance across diverse groups. This role encourages championing best practices in project management, contributing to continuous improvement within the Major Projects team.
• Comprehensive Project Management Experience: The responsibilities encompass the full spectrum of project management, including developing business cases, overseeing design, procurement, planning consents, construction delivery, and managing contractors.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: A key aspect of the role involves developing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies, working with local communities, regulators, and customers, as well as senior executive-level stakeholders.
• Attractive Remuneration and Benefits: ABP offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including an employer pension, private health insurance, and other benefits.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: Candidates must possess a proven track record of managing major capital infrastructure projects of £20 million+. Experience with planning and consenting processes is essential.
• Leadership and Communication Skills: Strong leadership capabilities and excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills are vital for success in this role, particularly when interacting with executive-level stakeholders.
• Flexibility and Travel: The role requires flexibility to travel to ABP ports and project locations across the UK.
• Desirable Qualifications: While not essential, candidates with a degree in Project Management or a relevant engineering discipline, chartered status (e.g., CEng MICE, MAPM), and experience in marine, port, or large-scale utility/energy projects will find their applications strengthened. Knowledge of environmental regulations and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) is also advantageous.
• Pre-Employment Checks: Prospective employees should be aware of ABP's substance abuse policy and the requirement for a medical examination. Successful candidates will also undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment screening.

This Project Manager (Major Projects) position at ABP presents a significant opportunity for career advancement within a vital sector. If you are a driven, experienced project manager looking to make a tangible impact on national infrastructure and the energy transition, this role offers a challenging and rewarding career path.