Project Manager – Prison Refurbishment & Fire Safety Upgrades
Location: East Midlands
Start: Spring 2026
Rate: £300 – £350 per day (Inside IR35 – PAYE / Umbrella Only)
Duration: Initial 2‑year programme, with a second phase taking total potential work up to 4 years
Sector: Secure Environment Refurbishment & Compliance Upgrades
The Opportunity
We’re recruiting for an experienced Site Manager to support a major refurbishment and compliance‑upgrade programme within a secure East Midlands prison facility. This long‑term scheme involves extensive internal works, upgrades to fire safety systems, and a full programme of fabric improvements aimed at modernising and safeguarding the existing estate.The project will be delivered within a live, operational prison environment — requiring a highly professional, experienced manager with a strong background in complex refurbishment projects, compliance works, and safety‑critical environments.
Key Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day site operations across a secure, controlled environment.
• Oversee a full spectrum of internal refurbishment and upgrade works.
• Coordinate fire‑stopping installations, compartmentation improvements, and compliance works.
• Supervise trades, subcontractors, access control, and phased work sequencing.
• Ensure strict adherence to security protocols, H&S standards, and documentation.
• Liaise closely with stakeholders, security teams, and project management.
• Produce accurate daily records, reporting, permits, RAMS, and inspections.

Scope of Works
The programme includes significant upgrades and refurbishment works, such as:

• Full internal strip‑out and reinstatement across operational wings and service areas
• Fire‑stopping, fire‑door upgrades, compartmentation, and passive fire protection
• M&E enhancements, containment upgrades, and compliance‑driven electrical/fire systems work
• Structural repairs, reinstatement, flooring, walls, ceilings, and finishes
• Security‑led improvements and controlled working practices
• Tight logistics management due to site restrictions and escorted operations

Essential Requirements (Non‑Negotiable)

• 10+ years’ management experience with directly relevant refurbishment or complex‑environment project experience
• Black CSCS Card
• SMSTS
• First Aid
• Asbestos Awareness
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check and level 1 clearance
• Strong background in fire‑stopping programmes, compliance upgrades, secure‑site works, or major refurb projects
• Excellent leadership, documentation, and communication skills

What’s on Offer

• £300 – £350 per day DOE
• Inside IR35 – PAYE / Umbrella only (No CIS / No Ltd Co)
• Long‑term pipeline: initial 2‑year phase with potential extension to 4 years of work
• Major, high‑value refurbishment project within the East Midlands
• Opportunity to work on a technically challenging and career‑defining scheme

How to Apply
If you have strong experience delivering major refurbishment, fire‑stopping, or secure‑environment projects — and can commit to a long‑term programme starting this spring — get in touch for more details.
If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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