Assistant Project Manager

HLM Architects; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent architectural firm in Cardiff is looking for an Assistant Project Manager to oversee project performance, ensuring clear monitoring of cost, time, scope, and safety. This role is suitable for candidates experienced in project management techniques and tools, and requires excellent communication and analytical skills. The firm offers a collaborative studio environment, an award-winning lifestyle package, and commitment to personal development. This position could be full-time or part-time depending on the candidate's skills and experience.

Benefits

Award-winning lifestyle package

Commitment to personal development

Friendly studio environment

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Project Manager, Project Controls Specialist or similar role.
• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools.
• Ability to produce persuasive presentations.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement project controls processes.
• Monitor and control project progress in terms of scope, schedule, and cost.
• Prepare project reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Project management techniques

Numerical skills

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Proactive mindset

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Office365

Job description

We are a UK & Ireland practice with strong connections across all of our studios in London, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, Plymouth, Belfast and Dublin. We work collaboratively as one team structured by sector, sharing resources, knowledge and skills. Ranked as one of the top 20 largest practices in the UK this year, other recent accolades include:

• AJ100 List of UK’s Top Architectural Practices 2025
• Best Companies Top 10 Best Mid-Sized Companies to work for 2025
• Shortlisted, AJ100 Awards – Employer of the Year 2025
• Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Social Value Architect of the Year 2025
• Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Employer of the Year 2025
• Highly Commended, MMC Awards – Architectural Practice of the Year 2025

Our ideal candidate

• familiar with project management techniques including the principles of scheduling and Earned Value Analysis (EVA)
• has excellent numerical skills
• can communicate effectively with diverse teams
• has a proactive, learning mindset

The role of the APM is to ensure project performance (cost, time, scope and safety) is monitored clearly and effectively and shared with all stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Establishing and implementing project controls processes.
• Monitoring and controlling the progress of the project in terms of scope, schedule, and cost.
• Completing (with others) and checking monthly applications for payment including collation of timesheet and expense related costs and forecasting.
• Tracking monthly forecasting vs spend and overall cost to completion (EVA).
• Creating, maintaining, and updating project schedules.
• Developing and monitoring the project’s budget and monitoring project costs on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Preparing project reports for stakeholders, including status updates, budget reports, and final project reviews.
• Coordinating with Architects and other Project Leads to gather data for cost forecasting.
• Ensuring project compliance with company and client policies.
• Utilizing project management software to track project progress and report on key metrics.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Assistant Project Manager, Project Controls Specialist or similar role.
• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools.
• Project management software (MS Project, Primavera) and the principles of scheduling.
• Office365 applications to a high standard of proficiency in order to be able to produce persuasive presentations and workbooks efficiently.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Ability to check their own work.
• Ability to work with diverse teams and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to prioritise and manage their own workload.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal including appropriate progress reporting.

This role could be a full-time or part-time role dependent on skills and experience.

We offer a friendly studio environment, an award-winning lifestyle package, and a commitment to your personal development through the HLM Academy. We are also an Employee Owned Trust, which means our employees have a sense of ownership, a say in our direction and are rewarded for the part they play in our future success.

Diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) is at the core of our business. We advocate equal opportunities, creating an inclusive working environment for all. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different mode please contact our HR team for assistance.

If you think this role could be for you, please send your CV and examples of your work.

Those shortlisted will be contacted.

HLM Architects is an Equal Opportunities Employer.