Project manager sought for Grenfell memorial job

The government is seeking a construction chief to lead delivery of a memorial on the site of the fire-damaged Grenfell Tower.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has advertised a project manager role for the sensitive West London scheme.

Plans to take down the tower were confirmed by the government last week, angering survivors and bereaved relatives of the 72 people who died in the June 2017 blaze.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said it would take two years to deconstruct the building, with some materials to be removed for potential inclusion in a memorial.

The Grenfell Memorial construction project manager will act as “operational lead” on the “practical delivery” of a lasting tribute to the victims.

It will pay up to £78,000 per year and be based in London “with an expectation of regular site presence and in-person meetings”.

“Given the unique nature of this work and the timelines expected to be involved, the successful candidate should be willing to commit in principle to undertaking the role for a minimum of three years,” says the MHCLG job advert.

Responsibilities will include contract management; business case development; stakeholder engagement; technical advice; and responsibility for managing operational risks.

The role will also require leadership and support; reporting accountability; and an ability to work with various disciplines to obtain planning consents.

Experience in project management, construction, complex environments and collaboration is essential, the advert says.

The government is looking for a “visible, proactive” leader as well as someone who is commercially astute and adaptable.

Effective communication is listed as essential, while a construction or site management qualification is described as highly desirable.

Applicants must provide a CV and covering letter by 11:55pm on Saturday 22 February.

Interviews will include questions designed to test the experience, technical skills, behaviours and strengths of candidates, and will take place by videocall.