Project Roles

The role of the project manager is to ensure that the construction is executed and closed following building regulations as well as working toward constraints such as time, budget and scope. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading meetings on issues such as planning permission, design, and logistics while contractors are on site
• Managing resources, ensuring sufficient support and equipment is provided while also monitoring budgetary constraints
• Mitigating any risks and being reactive to any unforeseen issues that arise throughout the project

The principal contractor is appointed by Imperial to control the construction phase of the project. They are an important base of knowledge regarding the building, technical skills as well as health and safety management while workers are on-site. Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring health and safety risks for anyone on-site and inform the client of any incidents or near-misses
• Ensuring the any plans or designs remain fit-for-purpose as construction continues
• Ensure welfare facilities are provided on site and ensure all those on-site are competent to carry out any tasks required from them

The principal designer or design team are appointed by Imperial to control the pre-construction phase of the project. The designers must have relevant knowledge not only on the aesthetics of the project, but also on items such as health and safety and some technical knowledge to ensure that the desired outcomes from construction can be realistically and safely achieved, as well as providing the desired look on behalf of Imperial. Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and monitoring health and safety alongside the project manager in the pre-construction phase.
• Liaise with the principal contractor to keep each other informed of any unforeseen risks as well as controls to prevent future incidents

A member of the Health & Safety team will often manage a building/area on each of Imperial’s campuses. As a base of knowledge for that particular space they will assist the project manager to ensure compliance for risk assessments and any other relevant regulations. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting site inspections and assisting the project manager complete the relevant documentation, including risk assessments
• Conducting investigations should any serious incidents or near-misses occur on-site
• Maintain accurate records for future construction work as well as investigations and compliance breaches
• Lead health & safety inductions as construction is about to commence as well as updating training to ensure all staff are competent

The Environment, Engineering and Energy Team at Imperial are focussed on ensuring all new construction meets technical requirements, as well as introducing innovative construction processes and following Imperial’s Sustainability Strategy. The Engineering Team in particular focuses on technical components of construction such as mechanical, electrical, fire and security works as well as managing all Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). Key responsibilities include:

• Develop infrastructure to ensure reliable and robust services for individual buildings or whole areas of a campus
• Ensure installations and subsequent manuals allow for new constructions and refurbishments to be adequately maintained once construction is handed over and in-use

The Building Information Management Team is specific to Imperial and provide access to information required for construction on any Imperial site. This often includes floor plans and drawings, as well as information on asset tags as well as space calculations for future Imperial projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Liaise with building managers and project managers to ensure any new construction matches the space Imperial’s estate is able to provide or is required
• Audit space to ensure accuracy of space database information, such as space ownership, type and status
• Maintain an archive of drawings and manuals of buildings/infrastructure on Imperial’s estate, to be liaised with the Estates Records Team