Employer Description

OpenView Security Solutions is a UK-based independent security systems integrator specialising in the design, installation and maintenance of integrated security, fire safety, IT infrastructure and electrical systems.

Role Overview

The role involves comprehensive, end-to-end project management across the North of England and Scotland. The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of clients and security systems, ranging from small, single-discipline projects to large, multi-discipline solutions involving high-end electronic security and networked systems. Previous Project Manager experience is not required; however, candidates must have experience in electronic security system installation and a strong technical understanding of a broad range of systems. The successful candidate must be willing to develop their project management skills, understand customer requirements and take full ownership of projects, working within agreed timescales to maintain the Company’s high standards of quality and efficiency.

The successful candidate will be based at our Newcastle office and will be required to attend this location regularly. They should therefore live within a 45-minute drive of the office. Projects will normally be based in the North East of England, although travel to other areas of the UK may occasionally be required to support the delivery of other Company projects.

Job Description

Commercial Responsibilities:

To receive new projects, review and mobilise using best practice and with an understanding of key milestones and risks, produce a plan to mitigate the latter at every opportunity.
To review contract documents and have a reasonable understanding of commercial deliverables and risks, escalating any concerns to Contracts Manager.
The raise orders (using our systems), identifying delivery priorities, negotiating cost reductions wherever practicable while ensuring programme milestones can be achieved.
To use, manage and where required enforce our terms and conditions for sub-contractors and specialist sub-contractors.
To actively review costs and control cost creep via our Project Accounting System.
To prepare and issue claims for payment/ applications and work with the accounts team to ensure timely payment.
To be proactive in seeking and developing further sales opportunities, as they arise, within the scope of an individual project.
To manage, consult and build a good working relationship with the client’s representatives, Contract Administrator, Clerk of Works etc.), for the benefit of all parties.
To measure, estimate and prepare quotations for variations as required throughout the contract.

Operational Responsibilities:

‘To communicate with our customers, achieve or exceed expected margins, whilst managing resources effectively’

Responsibilities will be to simultaneously manage a number of projects on behalf of OpenView Security Solutions Limited and take full ownership of end-to-end delivery.
Take responsibility of financial aspects of the projects which must be administered to maximise and maintain profit margin, providing regular reports to Upper Management on Project finances. Manage the cash flow and payment schedules of the projects.
Prepare and plan a program for works using MS Projects for each project where required
Manage variations to projects and the administration of these to Company procedures to maximise profits and timescales.
Manage the project deliveries within the agreed timescales of the Client and fully manage individual program of works and overall project schedules across the business area.
Manage the customers for your projects, keeping them fully informed and attending regular project meetings to deliver a high level of customer satisfaction.
Manage all project administration from handover to sign off with full project files and O&M manual production to a high standard.
Through close liaison with OSSL’s Health & Safety Department, produce CDM, CHASP, Risk Assessments and Method Statements where required, for works on projects under your control.
Manage and administer the projects in accordance with any Health & Safety plans and promote a safe working environment
Provide regular reports to Management on all project financial and implementation plan progression through delivery.
Assign and manage installation, commissioning and maintenance personnel to deliver the projects throughout, working in conjunction with all other staff to achieve successful project delivery.
Provide a reliable, courteous, efficient and effective service.
Maintain a positive image of the company to the customer at all times, through high standards of dress and customer communications.
Provide Flexible working hours and demonstrate a willingness to help both colleagues and customers.
Build relationship with the clients at a high level to maintain Company relationships beyond the project delivery.
To implement both the client’s core specification as well as any specific specifications, ensuring all aspects are met, unless otherwise agreed through signed, official client instruction.
To liaise with other Project Managers & sub-contractors of all trades, dealing with issues arising on site and ensuring that the ordered and specified works are being implemented as would be expected, advising the Operations Manager of any issues that require escalation.
To technically review the systems installation checking that all areas of the specification have complied with & that the correct equipment has been ordered, delivered and installed.
To inspect the installation upon completion & form snagging lists.
To carry out pre handover inspection of all systems and attend handover meetings as required.

Software Skills:-

The applicant would be expected to be experienced in and able to use on a regular basis:-

MS Word – Be able to produce contract related documents, letters etc.
MS Excel – Be able to produce worksheets with a degree of complexity.
Visio – Production of basic drawings/ review/ print etc.

Training will be provided on our Project Accounting system as well as MS Project and Autocad where needed.

Objectives:

‘Deliver projects on time and to budget’

To update own Project Accounting WIP reporting workbook inclusive of Project Dates, Physical % completed, Status, by the deadline required at quarterly release of workbook.
To deliver 100% of projects within “contracted” time periods (including any extra time granted by client), over a period of 12 months.
To deliver 100% of projects without any incidents or accidents while adhering to the prescribed company policy documents.
To undertake 6No. Tool Box Talks over a period of 6 months returning signed attendee list to group H&S Team.
To undertake 6No. site safety audits on running projects, returning documentation to group H&S team over a period of 6 months.
Sickness & Absence to be within company guidelines
To deliver 80% of projects within estimated budget over a period of 6 months.
To achieve a conversion of 50% on PC & Contingency sums, where available, on tendered works over a period of 6 months.
To achieve a 10% increase in revenue on quoted project via variations over a period of 6 months
To return 100% of delivery notes for direct site shipments or local counter collections on a monthly basis, reviewed every 6 months.
Increase the overall % of feedback from current level to 95% positive across all projects.

Entry Requirements

2 years industry experience required (fire and security)
Site work preferred
Will need to pass security screening
Full UK Drivers Licence required
18+ due to site restrictions
Maths and English GCSE at grade 4 or above
IPAF, CSCS, SMSTS, SSSTS preferred

Training to be Provided

This is where you'll learn the skills that businesses actually run on.

Your apprenticeship training is delivered by Skills for Security, specialists in developing real workplace skills within the fire and security industry.

You’ll complete a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship, with training delivered remotely, twice a month - no travel, just focused learning that fits around your job.

What you’ll do as part of the programme:

Learn how real businesses operate day to day
Build practical administrative, organisational and communication skills
Work on tasks and projects linked to your role
Build evidence from your job to support your learning
Take part in tutor-led sessions via Microsoft Teams

Your employer supports you on the job. We focus on your training and progression.

Earn. Learn. Build a career that can take you anywhere.

#INDAPP

OpenView Security Solutions - Apprentice Project Manager