Project Assistant jobs in United Kingdom

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Crawley

Compensation: £55,000 - £70,000 / year

Contract: Permanent

Location: Crawley (hybrid working with travel to sites including Gatwick/Heathrow)

Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 (dependent on experience)

Vision Survey was founded in 2007 with the ambition to become the UK's leading authority on permit to dig control. What began with humble beginnings has grown into a trusted surveying and consultancy business with over fifty dedicated staff members, proudly involved in major civil engineering projects including Tideway, HS2 and Hinkley Point.

As one of the leading survey companies in the UK, we are focused on improving the construction industry by embracing innovation and technology. We work with our clients to complete projects on time and safely. As part of the Celnor Group, we maintain a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, with our core values of Reflection, Excellence, Teamwork, and Integrity guiding everything we do.

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to take the lead on exciting aviation and infrastructure projects across all our service offerings. This role is perfect for someone in the beginning to middle of their career who has gained hands‑on field experience and is ready for the next step into project management within challenging, live operational environments.

You’ll manage large and multi‑disciplinary projects, connecting different service areas and acting as the single point of contact for blue‑chip clients. Working in complex environments such as airports, you’ll need to be a proactive thinker who understands the complications of working around the public and can navigate the demands of live operational settings. This is an opportunity to make a real impact with a smaller company that values quality and offers clear progression to Programme Manager or Head of PMO.

• Manage multiple large‑scale and multi‑disciplinary projects from inception to delivery across all Vision Survey service offerings
• Act as the single point of contact for blue‑chip clients including airports, designers, and contractors
• Define project scope and create detailed programmes using Microsoft Project (Primavera P6 desirable)
• Ensure robust planning for live operational environments, including night work and complex scheduling around public access
• Connect and coordinate different service disciplines to deliver integrated solutions
• Support services across all areas of the business
• Provide strong stakeholder management and communication with clients, teams, and operational partners
• Mentor Assistant Project Managers and contribute to the company’s Project Management Procedure
• Proactively identify and manage risks in challenging operational environments
• Travel to sites including Gatwick, Heathrow, and other locations as required

Essential Requirements:

• 3-5 years' experience managing projects in aviation, airports, or similarly complex live operational environments
• Background in civil engineering, quantity surveying, or field engineering with hands‑on site experience
• APM, PRINCE2, or similar project management certification
• Experience working in difficult operational environments with complications such as public access and live operations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels
• Proactive planner with excellent risk management expertise
• Ability to connect multi‑disciplinary teams and coordinate complex projects
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel to sites

Desirable:

• Civil engineering graduate who has progressed through site engineer and Assistant PM roles
• Experience working at major UK airports (Gatwick, Heathrow, or similar)
• Familiarity with Primavera P6
• Experience managing minor works or multi‑phase projects in live environments
• Understanding of multiple surveying disciplines

We offer a competitive salary of £55,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience and provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• Hybrid working (Crawley office base with flexibility)
• Opportunity to work on high‑profile aviation and infrastructure projects
• Clear career progression path to Programme Manager or Head of PMO
• Staff benefits package including discounts at retailers and gym memberships
• Pension Scheme
• Health Insurance (Vitality)
• Life Insurance
• IT & Phone Package
• Continuous on‑the‑job training and development

Every project we undertake contributes to a safer, more sustainable built environment. Be part of a team making a tangible impact on the future of infrastructure, with a culture built on learning and innovation where your ideas and expertise will play a vital role in shaping outcomes.

Vision Survey is an equal opportunities employer with the aim of providing a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage suitably qualified applications regardless of race, disability, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and religion or belief.

Please note, that you may need to undergo a DBS background check if you are successful.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining why you're the right fit for this role.