Project Manager

Established in 2013, Sapphire Utility Solutions has quickly become the partner of choice for many clients across the UK in our chosen markets. We provide award‑winning services to the clean water, wastewater, gas, multi‑utilities and the highways sector. We are passionate about working alongside our clients and partners to maintain the essential utility services that keep modern life running in the UK. About the Role Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Project Manager oversees all operations, directing and organising activities to ensure planned work is delivered safely and on time. The role monitors performance to meet recognised productivity, quality and compliance standards, including health and safety provisions. Location: Leyland, Lancashire Hours: 50 hours per week, 06:30 am‑16:30 pm, Monday to Friday Salary: £43,290 per annum Responsibilities - but not limited to Lead and motivate a team to deliver all aspects of planning and operations through monthly face‑to‑face manager meetings. Provide a platform for managers and operatives to develop succession plans within the department. Manage subcontract performance and perform on‑call duties in accordance with the on‑call rota. Ensure managers and operatives have appropriate vehicles, equipment, stores and skills to perform allocated work. Maintain liaison with customers, clients, local authorities and other interested third parties regarding past, present, and future works. Provide supervision, assessment and coaching to managers to meet company standards; take coaching or disciplinary action where required. Conduct quality on‑site assessments and audits (minimum 4 onsite audits per month; achieve monthly targets). Ensure near‑miss submissions are sent through by teams. Report accidents and incidents to the H&S team immediately and assist with investigations and feedback. Write and understand RAMS; plan work, assess risks, manage standards, motivate teams, keep projects on time and budget, and handle changes. Ensure adherence to company HSEQ and welfare policy provisions. Organise Toolbox Talks, briefings and other communications for managers and operatives. Perform monthly fleet and plant checks; maintain maintenance and calibration schedules. Supervise site setups for over‑pumping and tankering locations in accordance with safe systems of work, maintaining sites until completion and capturing sales. Maintain personal skills and knowledge, ensuring training records and ID cards are up to date (12‑month period). Meet client KPI and SLA targets each month. Handle day‑to‑day HR queries, update the HR system, monitor sickness and behaviour, and manage fair processes for bonus sign‑off. Approve contract changes for new and existing operatives and ensure they are processed correctly. Verify timesheet submission timelines, accuracy and, where necessary, conduct telematics checks. Audit operatives’ start, on‑site, and off‑site times to ensure full shift compliance; log any failings. Enforce company rules in depots; monitor and address non‑compliance. Accurately record daily completed works in the sales sheet, ensuring correct, budget‑aligned data and tracking weekly costs. Track all overtime and ensure it complies with hours and warranting requirements. Maintain optimal resource levels, ensuring sufficient ASH cover and support. Coach or discipline drivers who violate company vehicle policies; carry out weekly Samsara safety inbox reviews. Ensure compliance with European driving hours, logbooks and tachograph cards. If a fault accident or incident occurs, enforce the recharge process and document it via Cascade. Manage and assess employee competencies through the competency assessment programme. Respond to phone calls outside normal working hours professionally and timely. Experience, skills and qualifications required for the role Full current, valid driving licence (NVQ Management Level 3 or equivalent experience). Ability to manage a budget. Ability to lead and motivate people. Computer literate. Commercial awareness and understanding of basic business finance (capital, revenue, expenditure, cash‑flow, overheads). Professional and effective communication with external parties such as clients, their customers and local authorities. Skill and confidence to supervise and coordinate site requirements and tasks. Proven experience in leading a delivery team. Experience in managing high‑output, plain line and/or S&C construction sites. Experienced engineering supervisor. Focus on high quality and cost control. Problem‑solving, conflict resolution, arbitration, negotiation and sound decision‑making. Ability to coach, manage and lead people. Reliable, tolerant and teamwork‑friendly. Professional presentation. Safety management training. Understanding of health and safety legislation. In‑depth knowledge of street works regulations. Holder of recognised supervisory or leadership management course or equivalent experience. IOSH Managing Safely qualification. What you will get in return Joining Sapphire Utility Solutions as part of the Lanes Group—the UK’s largest independent provider—we foster a workplace culture that prioritises well‑being, growth and safety. Continuous training, professional development opportunities and a supportive environment value every individual’s contribution, upholding the highest standards of integrity, collaboration and inclusivity. What we offer 24 days holiday plus bank holidays. Overtime paid at 1.5× after 50 hours. Death in service. Employee assistance programme. Free car parking. Company vehicle provided. This position is open to internal and external candidates. Internal candidates must complete and submit an internal application form to recruitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under‑represented members of the community. Company Links Lanes Group plc – https://www.lanesgroup.com/ Lanes I – https://lanes-infra.com/ SUS – https://sus.co.uk/ Clearflow – https://www.clearflowltd.com/ AQS – https://aqsenvironmentalsolutions.ie/ Strictly no agencies please. #J-18808-Ljbffr