UK Project Manager

Overview

J&C Joel supplies, manufactures, and installs a range of products in the entertainment and events industry. The core of its business is flame-retardant fabrics and manufacturing high-end technical and decorative drapery. Over the last 15 years, J&C Joel has hugely grown and developed its stage engineering solutions through its Projects department, which installs a wide range of systems, ranging from basic curtain tracks and drapery, through to high-performance motorised rigging and stage engineering, with sophisticated automation controls.

J&C Joel’s products and services can be found all over the world, from school auditoriums, TV and film studios and live entertainment venues to internationally renowned performing arts venues, including theatres, exhibition halls and the world’s most prestigious opera houses.

J&C Joel places a strong emphasis on the adoption of its values across its business, which focuses on the Customer, Excellence, Innovation, Partnerships and Pride. Furthermore, the company holds a strong belief that its people are what make the business so special.

Role Purpose:

The UK Project Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, commercial management and technical delivery of projects involving stage engineering systems, stage machinery and show or creative drapery installations.

The role requires close collaboration with sales, estimating, design, finance and site installation teams to ensure projects are delivered safely on time, within budget and in accordance with the approved design brief and contractual requirements.

The Project Manager acts as the primary point of contact for the client’s project team and maintains clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.

The role is primarily office-based at the company’s headquarters in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, with regular nationwide travel to project sites to support installations and ensure successful project delivery.

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities:

Commercial Management

• Manage project budgets and monitor expenditure against allocated cost centres.
• Forecast cost to complete and identify commercial risks or cost variances.
• Maintain target gross profit margins.
• Track project costs and maintain accurate financial reporting.
• Manage invoicing in accordance with contract or purchase order milestones.
• Ensure invoices are issued accurately and on time.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and support the finance team with timely payment collection.
• Manage project variations, scope changes and associated commercial risks.
• Utilise the company’s ERP system to track project financial performance and maintain project records.

Pre-Contract and Technical Support

• Support the sales and estimating teams during tender and pre-award stages.
• Attend site visits to assess installation requirements and site constraints.
• Provide guidance on:
• installation duration
• labour requirements
• project management resources
• specialist equipment or lifting plant.
• Contribute practical installation expertise to support accurate estimating and project planning.
• Ensure proposed technical solutions meet required performance, operational and safety standards.

Design and Technical Coordination

• Work closely with design and engineering teams to ensure solutions meet client requirements.
• Ensure installations align with approved technical drawings and design specifications.
• Coordinate material and technical submissions to clients and consultants.
• Assist in resolving technical queries during installation and commissioning.

Site Installation and Safety Management

• Coordinate installation activities with site supervisors and installation teams.
• Ensure works are carried out in accordance with agreed project programmes and site protocols.
• Maintain awareness of construction site safety requirements, particularly where work involves:
• working at height
• lifting operations
• complex installation environments.
• Ensure appropriate safety planning is implemented, including:
• preparation and review of RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
• ensuring Daily Activity Briefings (DABs) are conducted.
• Maintain an understanding of construction site safety procedures and first aid awareness.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary liaison with the client’s project management team.
• Attend project meetings and provide progress updates.
• Maintain professional communication with clients and stakeholders.
• Manage client expectations and ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled.

Cross-Department Collaboration

Work closely with internal teams including:

Sales and Estimating – Provide technical input during tender stages and site assessments.

Design and Engineering – Coordinate design reviews and technical approvals.

Finance – Monitor project financial performance and invoicing schedules.

Installation Teams – Coordinate labour resources, installation sequencing and site logistics.

Project Delivery

Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with the design brief. Ensuring that they are in line with contractual and health and safety requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• developing and managing detailed project programmes
• monitoring progress against milestones
• identifying risks or delays and implementing corrective actions
• coordinating internal resources and project organisation structures.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience delivering projects from initiation through to completion.
• Experience managing large projects as well as multiple smaller projects simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret and work from technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience producing detailed project programmes and project organisational structures.
• Experience using ERP systems to manage project information, financial tracking and reporting.
• Strong understanding of the technical requirements of engineered systems.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams including technical, commercial and site personnel.
• Strong organisational, communication and project management skills.

Desirable

• Experience within theatre engineering, entertainment technology, stage machinery or show drapery installations.
• Experience working within construction or complex installation environments.
• Familiarity with construction site safety procedures and RAMS preparation.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent organisational and multi-project management capability.
• A collaborative working style with clear ownership and accountability.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Attention to detail in both technical and commercial matters.
• A proactive and responsible approach to health and safety.

Systems and Technical Skills

The role involves regular use of internal business systems including:

• ERP systems for project management, financial tracking and operational records.
• Project planning and design tools, including familiarity with AutoCAD or equivalent CAD software.

Qualifications and Licenses

• Degree level or equivalent
• Recognised Project Management qualification, highly desirable.
• UK, Clean Driving License essential

Company Expectations

The post holder will work in accordance with J&C Joel Ltd policies, procedures and governance requirements, and will represent the company professionally in all communications with customers, suppliers and colleagues.

The role holder is expected to contribute positively to the company’s culture and maintain high standards of professionalism, safety and collaboration.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably requested by J&C Joel Ltd.

J&C Joel Ltd is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.