Senior Project/Programme Manager - Major Mixed-Use Scheme Close-Out - Starting in November

This SPV is delivering the construction of a major mixed-use redevelopment, reporting into the development funder, an international real estate investment manager, and the scheme's operating company. The project is now in its finishing stages, with the main contractor having completed their contract works. Remaining scope includes insurance flood repair works in one of the hotels, kiosk works, Day 2 works by separate contractors, and potential Day 3 works.

We're looking for a senior construction professional to lead the close-out of the remaining works, covering construction management through to handover, commercial closure, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and operational readiness. This is a day rate contract, running approximately 5-6 months, with a November start.

The role

You'll provide leadership to the remaining project team member and the appointed commercial and PM team, leading the close-out strategy and programme for the outstanding works. You'll ensure all contractual obligations are fulfilled, act as the key point of contact with the funder, investment manager and operating company on issues relating to the remaining works and readiness for handover, and chair close-out meetings with consultants, contractors, operators and stakeholders. You'll also manage outstanding project risks through to resolution and engage directly with investors, banks and the asset manager as required.

On Practical Completion, you'll oversee its achievement in line with contract requirements, liaising with the appointed PM team on the sectional/practical completion handover pack and recommendation. You'll ensure all testing, commissioning and certification is completed (or clearly logged where outstanding), review building systems operation with the M&E consultant, approve handover documentation prepared by the PM team, and coordinate phased handovers where needed.

On the commercial side, you'll lead agreement of final accounts with contractors and consultants, resolve all variations, claims and compensation events, review contingency spend and final project costs, and report into the operating company on commercial matters. You'll confirm retention release milestones, manage approvals for instructions under £300k, and prepare recommendations to investors for anything above that threshold.

You'll maintain oversight of defects management, ensuring a clear rectification process is in place, contractors respond within contractual timescales, and critical defects affecting operations or occupation are tracked and escalated where needed. On health & safety, you'll confirm all statutory and regulatory requirements are met, ensure the Health & Safety File and water management plans are updated, and coordinate handover of all certification to the managing agent and operating company, including fire strategy documentation, as-built drawings, O&M manuals, commissioning certificates, and warranties.

You'll also support operational readiness by ensuring FM teams are trained and prepared and operational procedures are established, manage relationships across investors, development directors, occupiers, funders, local authorities and internal teams, and ensure complete project records are assembled and archived ahead of final project closure and sign-off.

What we're looking for

A senior construction/project management professional with a strong track record of leading complex projects through practical completion and close-out, ideally within mixed-use, retail, or major regeneration schemes. Strong commercial acumen, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to hit the ground running from November are essential.