Project Manager in East Sussex, England at Vortex Companies, LLC

Want to be part of one of the country’s fastest growing infrastructure businesses? The Vortex Companies, LLC delivers cutting edge trenchless technologies and turnkey services to make the worlds water cleaner and we’re growing every day!

We think BIG about solving the world’s toughest challenges in failing water, sewer and industrial infrastructure.

At Vortex, you will be surrounded with a culture that puts your safety first in all we do. If you like a fast-paced environment, a team structure that provides support, training, and development, then apply today!

Role Overview

The Project Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of drainage rehabilitation projects using CIPP/CIPR technologies from initial planning through to completion. The role leads the coordination of operational, commercial, and client-facing activities to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, and within budget.

The Project Manager will manage multiple projects simultaneously, oversee site teams and subcontractors, maintain strong client relationships, and ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.

This position requires strong leadership, commercial awareness, operational planning capability, and the ability to proactively manage risks and project performance within the drainage rehabilitation and trenchless technology sector.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Delivery

Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of drainage rehabilitation projects using CIPP/CIPR technologies.Develop and maintain detailed project programmes and delivery plans.Define project scope, resource requirements, sequencing, and operational strategies.Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.Manage multiple concurrent projects across various operational locations.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Act as the primary point of contact for clients, local authorities, framework partners, and key stakeholders.Maintain strong working relationships through professional communication and responsiveness.Ensure client expectations and contractual obligations are consistently achieved.Coordinate communication with affected residents, businesses, and stakeholders to minimise disruption during works.Attend client meetings, progress reviews, and operational planning meetings.

Operational Coordination

Coordinate site teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure efficient project delivery.Ensure labour, plant, equipment, materials, and subcontractor resources are effectively allocated.Monitor operational performance and productivity across projects.Support mobilisation and demobilisation activities for all works.Ensure operational readiness prior to commencement of works.

Site Assessments & Planning

Review site surveys, CCTV reports, and technical information to determine appropriate rehabilitation solutions.Conduct site visits and assessments to identify operational constraints, access requirements, and project risks.Develop delivery methodologies and mitigation strategies for challenging site conditions.Coordinate traffic management, permits, access requirements, and utility clearances where required.

Commercial & Budget Management

Manage project budgets and monitor financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.Track project expenditure including labour, materials, subcontractors, and equipment costs.Identify and manage cost variations, risks, and commercial opportunities.Support the preparation and management of project valuations, forecasts, and cost reports.Work closely with the Commercial Team to ensure accurate reporting and cost control.

Programme & Schedule Management

Monitor project progress against programme milestones and delivery targets.Proactively manage delays, operational changes, and programme risks.Coordinate with operational teams to maintain project schedules and optimise productivity.Provide regular progress updates and recovery plans where required.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

Lead the implementation and enforcement of company Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality policies.Ensure all works are delivered in accordance with company procedures, legislation, and industry standards.Promote a strong safety culture across all project activities.Review RAMS, permits, and site documentation to ensure compliance.Conduct site audits, inspections, and safety reviews as required.

Quality Assurance

Ensure installation and rehabilitation works comply with project specifications, WRc standards, and client requirements.Oversee quality inspections, testing, and project documentation.Ensure completed works meet required performance and integrity standards.Manage defects, corrective actions, and quality improvement initiatives.

Risk Management

Identify and manage project risks including:Ground conditionsWeather impactsUtility conflictsSite access restrictionsEnvironmental considerationsResource constraintsImplement mitigation measures to minimise disruption and maintain project delivery.Escalate significant risks and issues appropriately.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate project documentation including:Project programmesSite recordsProgress reportsInspection and quality recordsVariations and change controlsCommercial updatesPrepare internal and client-facing reports.Ensure all project records are maintained in accordance with company procedures.

Team Leadership

Provide leadership and support to site teams, supervisors, and operational staff.Promote teamwork, accountability, and high performance.Support training and development of operational personnel.Contribute to workforce planning and resource development.

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, project delivery, and client satisfaction.Participate in lessons learned reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.Support the development of best practices across the business.

Post-Project Management

Lead project close-out activities including final documentation and client handover.Review project performance against programme, budget, safety, and quality objectives.Support final account resolution and project evaluation.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Proven experience managing projects within drainage, utilities, civil engineering, or trenchless technology sectorsStrong project management and organisational skillsExcellent communication and stakeholder management abilitiesExperience managing operational teams and subcontractorsStrong commercial awareness and budget management capabilityAbility to manage multiple projects and competing prioritiesGood understanding of Health & Safety legislation and operational complianceProficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Microsoft ProjectFull UK driving licence

Desirable

Experience within CIPP / pipe rehabilitation operationsKnowledge of drainage rehabilitation techniques and industry standardsExperience working within water industry frameworksSMSTS or equivalent Health & Safety qualificationNRSWA Supervisor qualificationProject management qualification (APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent)

Personal Attributes

Strong leadership and decision-making capabilityProactive and solution-oriented approachExcellent organisational and planning skillsStrong attention to detailProfessional and client-focusedAbility to work under pressure and meet deadlinesCollaborative team player with the ability to lead independentlyCommitted to continuous improvement and operational excellence