About Bowmer + Kirkland
Since being established in 1923 Bowmer + Kirkland has grown to become one of the most successful privately-owned, and family run construction groups in the UK. Our Investors in People accreditation demonstrates our commitment to our staff and we are Scheme Partners of the Considerate Constructors Scheme – something which only a select number of high performing contractors achieve.

About the role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to lead the delivery of a flagship Department for Education (DfE) secondary school project located in the Lake District, Cumbria.

This is a standalone appointment, offering a unique opportunity to deliver a high quality, meaningful education scheme in one of the UK’s most outstanding natural environments.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of the project from site through to completion, ensuring delivery to programme, budget, quality, and safety expectations, while creating a positive and collaborative project culture. This role will suit someone who thrives on responsibility and enjoys leading from the front.

This is a full-time permanent role, over 5 days per week.

The opportunity

• Lead a significant DfE secondary school project from early delivery through to completion 

• Work in the Lake District, offering a lifestyle change with access to outdoor living, space, and balance 

• Take ownership of a standalone project with strong support from the wider regional team 

• Deliver a project that has a lasting impact on the local community and education sector 
  
  

Key responsibilities

Team Leadership: you will be responsible for leading, motivating, and developing high-performing project teams. This includes setting clear expectations, fostering a collaborative and accountable culture, and ensuring all team members are aligned with project goals. You are expected to provide consistent direction, support individual development, and create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute, innovate, and take ownership of their responsibilities.

Health & Safety: you will drive a safety-first culture by ensuring the highest standards of health and safety are maintained throughout the life of the project.  This involves promoting a positive safety culture, ensuring full compliance with all statutory requirements and company procedures, and leading by example in all aspects of safe working.

Project Delivery: has full accountability for the successful delivery of the project, ensuring it is completed on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and in accordance with all contractual obligations. This includes developing and maintaining the master programme, managing resources effectively, and leading the project team to deliver against key milestones. You will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks, resolving issues proactively, and maintaining control of project costs and progress.

Programme and Budget Control: you will be responsible for the effective control of the project programme and budget, working closely with the Project Planner and Commercial Team to ensure accurate forecasting, progress tracking, and financial management. This will involve regular review and interrogation of the programme to identify critical path activities, mitigate delays, and maintain alignment with contractual milestones.

Design Management: you have the key responsibility for overseeing the effective management of the design process, working closely with the Design Manager to ensure the timely release of coordinated, compliant, and construction ready information. This includes monitoring progress against the design programme.  You will take an active role in the qualitative review of drawings, specifications, and technical submissions, ensuring they align with contractual requirements, buildability standards, and client expectations.

Quality Assurance: you will be accountable for ensuring robust quality assurance across the project, utilising the company’s QA system (R Drive) to plan, monitor, and evidence compliance with project requirements and specifications. This includes embedding quality processes from the outset, ensuring all site teams are fully engaged with the QA system, and driving consistent use of checklists, inspections, and documentation.

Client Relationship Management: you will play a central role in developing and maintaining strong, professional relationships with the client and their stakeholders. Working closely with the Contracts Manager, you are responsible for ensuring clear, consistent communication, proactive issue resolution, and a deep understanding of the client’s expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

Digital Construction: you will champion the use of Digital Construction Tools, working collaboratively with the Digital Construction Manager to embed digital solutions across all stages of the project. You will lead by example in promoting the use of digital platforms to manage design, programme, quality, and commercial information.

Desirable qualifications

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or similar 

• Professional membership (MCIOB, RICS, APM) 

• SMSTS, CSCS (Black Card), First Aid 

In return we offer

• 25 days holiday per year, plus 8 bank holidays & Christmas Eve

• Entry into the Group Personal Pension Scheme

• Private Health Insurance (subject to a qualifying period)

• Enhanced family friendly policies (subject to qualifying period)

• Eye care voucher scheme

• Training & Development Opportunities
  

Bowmer + Kirkland is an equal opportunities employer.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

If you would like to be considered for this role please send applications to: recruitment@bandk.co.uk or by post to the HR Department, Bowmer + Kirkland Ltd, Heage, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2BW.

We are a disability confident employer and actively encourage applicants who are covered under the equality act to apply.   Please contact the HR Department on 01773 853131 in advance of an interview to discuss any adjustments that are required in order to support you in the process.   

We are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage applications from service leavers.