Assistant Project Manager

Context

Mallards Support Services Ltd (MSS) is a recently formed company at the heart of a group of philanthropically funded sustainability initiatives in the Isle of Man: including an ambitious, new botanical garden and regenerative farming.

South African-British technology entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth lives on the Island and has been investing in these projects for over a decade.  This year will see a significant increase in activity and, thus, in the number of people employed in the Isle of Man (expected to be 20-30, but also to increase in the short-term).

MSS will provide a range of administrative and support services to all projects on the Island.  In addition, it is possible that support will be provided to other projects funded by Mark Shuttleworth; particularly, in São Tomé and Príncipe in Africa.

We are looking for two assistant project managers, relatively early in their professional development, who will thrive by pushing their careers into new areas of knowledge.

The roles will report to one of the directors of MSS.  At the time of writing this job description in February 2025, it is planned that the office for the company will be in Santon (and see below regarding working pattern).

Role Summary

The Assistant Project Manager is responsible for planning, overseeing and leading projects, under supervision, from concept to completion. The role requires interaction with a range of internal and external stakeholders, often managing several moving project parts simultaneously.  The nature of our projects means that construction, landscaping, farming and property management will be central aspects of the work.

You are:

• a graduate, possibly with a postgraduate qualification;
• ambitious and eager to learn;
• committed to personal and professional development;
• interested in seeing projects through from start to finish;
• accepting of responsibility; and
• motivated by achieving goals and targets.

You want:

• new challenges to drive growth of your skills and knowledge;
• wide-ranging learning opportunities;
• experience in a small, committed and energetic team; and
• your contribution to make a genuine difference.

Key Responsibilities

 Competent and effective day-to-day management of key project elements:

• scope;
• schedule;
• budget;
• risk;
• quality; and
• resources.

Complete specific projects on time and within budget:

• plan what work needs to be done, when and by whom;
• assess the risks involved and manage them;
• ensure the work is done to the right standard;
• motivate the team of people involved in the project;
• ensure the project is running on time and budget;
• deal with changes to the project as and when necessary; and
• ensure the project delivers the expected outcomes and benefits.

Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to determine the specifications of the project.

Negotiate contracts with external partners and allocate responsibilities to achieve project goals.

Obtain permits and licenses from appropriate authorities.

Determine and define resources (manpower, equipment and materials) from start to finish with attention to budgetary limitations.

Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met.

Purchase equipment and material and maintain stocks at levels which do not cause delay.

Supervise the work of project team members sand give them guidance when needed.

Evaluate progress regularly and prepare detailed reports for group leadership.

Ensure adherence to all health and safety laws, regulations and standards and report issues.

 Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• BSc/BA in engineering, building science or relevant field.
• PMP or equivalent certification will be an advantage.
• At least five years’ applied work experience.
• Understanding of construction procedures and material and project management principles is desirable.
• Knowledge of controlling and monitoring budgets.
• Practical knowledge of quality and health and safety standards.
• Able to articulate project goals, delegate tasks, and provide feedback in a manner that leaves no room for ambiguity.
• Effective at planning, monitoring and reviewing.
• Sure-footed decision-making based on data, team input and situational factors.
• Command respect and trust.
• Able to manage resources.
• Able to motivate and encourage others and resolve conflicts.
• Decisive and able to work well under pressure.
• Be aware of who the project will affect and manage the effect it will have on them.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both verbal and written.
• The ability to solve problems rapidly and come up with practical solutions.
• Able to coordinate work carried out by different people and organisations.
• Fully effective in a team or when working on own initiative.
• Excellent IT skills across a range of applications, including project management.

 General

This role is intended to be full-time and office based.

However, candidates who wish to work on a part-time and/or home/office hybrid basis may be considered.

The successful candidate will need to have a full, clean driving licence as the role involves working at different sites on the Island.