Project Manager (Construction Phase)

Carbon Co-Op are looking for a freelance, client-side Project Manager to help us tackle an exciting area-based retrofit scheme in Levenshulme.

Summary

Location : Manchester, UK

Company : Carbon Co-op

Period of contract : Up to nine months

Fee : up to £20,000

Deadline: 5pm, Friday 31st May 2024

Application
Please submit a CV, covering letter (max one page) setting out your suitability and a one page quote for the work, setting out your fee, VAT (if applicable) and day rate. Please also confirm you hold the appropriate level of Professional Indemnity insurance for this project. We expect a quote on the basis of the information available, should the scope of the project change during the project we will review the fee available. We will shortlist and interview candidates before making an appointment.

About Us

Carbon Co-op is an energy services co-operative dedicated to developing new models to tackle climate change whilst addressing energy justice issues. Based in Greater Manchester and operating around the North West, a key focus for Carbon Co-op’s Retrofit Team is developing and delivering place-based retrofit schemes to improve the energy efficiency of multiple homes within a target neighbourhood. These projects are highly collaborative, with extended periods of development involving local stakeholders and institutions, contractors and designers, and putting the householders at the centre of the development and delivery process. This is a growing area of work for Carbon Co-op and we anticipate more schemes to be delivered in future.

Project Overview

We are seeking a ‘client side’ project management role for our Levenshulme Area Based Scheme, a collaboration with Manchester City Council and other local stakeholders that has been in development for the past three years.

The scheme involves six owner-occupier houses undergoing sequential ‘deep retrofit’ works, with a contractor and project architect in place, a full scheme design and specification and all planning stages achieved. The scheme is due to go on site in early summer 2024 and is expected to run to late 2024/early 2025 (lasting up to 9 months). Works are being funded by a mixture of grants, Manchester City Council loans and householder contributions. The project features a group works arrangement with householders on one side and a main contractor on the other with Carbon Co-op as the intermediary. You will act as client-side (i.e. Carbon Co-op) Project Manager, liaising with the contractor, contract admin, Manchester City Council and their agents Manchester Care and Repair (managing loan drawdown) and working with Carbon Co-op’s engagement officer managing householder communications.

As well as overseeing Project Management you will coordinate an MCS Foundation-funded retrofit learning, skills and evaluation project that is taking place as part of the scheme’s delivery. The role also involves facilitating energy data collection and sharing to inform learning from the scheme and in turn other Carbon Coop projects.

Requirements

We are seeking a skilled and competent Project Manager to deliver this area-based retrofit project. As with all construction projects, work will be delivered in phases with a varying level of input from the Project Manager, but we expect the position to average 1-3 days a week over the course of the programme. Regular site visits will be required as well as frequent and consistent communication with project stakeholders including the contractor, designer and Manchester City Council. The project benefits from an established partnership approach to scheme delivery between Carbon Co-op and the scheme provider – established in 2023 via a negotiated tender process.

Key Responsibilities

We have a project architect, experienced in retrofit approaches, in place and do not expect the project manager to undertake quality assurance work for the project.

• Project Manage the construction phase of an area-based retrofit project, coordinating with the lead contractor, project architect, householders (via Carbon Co-op’s engagement worker) and community stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Develop and review client side project schedules, budgets and resource plans , monitoring progress and addressing any issues or deviations from the plan.
• Contractor relationship management.
• Performing client duties under the CDM Regulations and Building Safety Act and supporting other duty holders – including Principal Designer and Principal Contractor to meet their responsibilities.
• Collaborate closely with Carbon Co-op’s householder liaison ensuring householders’ input and preferences are reflected in the delivery of the construction process.
• Act as a liaison between the project team (designer, contractor, engagement worker, project sponsor) , Manchester City Council, Manchester Care and Repair and other relevant stakeholders , facilitating communication and resolving any conflicts or issues that may arise.
• Coordinate the requirements of the MCS-funded retrofit learning, skills and evaluation project, liaising with project partners, evaluation consultant and the MCS grant administrator.
• Provide regular updates and reports on project progress , milestones, and budgetary status to Carbon Co-op project stakeholders and management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of client-side management of construction projects, ideally (though not a requirement) in the retrofitting or renovation of residential buildings.
• Working knowledge/understanding of energy efficiency measures and sustainable construction practices.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to plan, organise, and execute complex projects on time and within budget.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with community groups, nonprofits, or social enterprises is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with grant funding programs, energy efficiency incentives, and sustainability certifications is a plus.
• Willingness/ability to travel to the project site in South Manchester.

This role would suit a professional or consultancy with experience of Community Led Housing projects and/or Housing Provider Schemes (in particular regen or area-based schemes).

For more information about the project contact: and