Young Project Manager of the Year

Recognising a young project manager who has demonstrated outstanding project management skills, successfully overseeing projects from conception to completion with excellent results.

From multimillion-pound infrastructure schemes to community regeneration and corporate sustainability drives, this year’s finalists prove that leadership, innovation, and collaboration define the next era of project management.

Rohit Malhotra – AtkinsRéalis

Overview

At AtkinsRéalis, Rohit Malhotra stands out as one of the youngest project managers leading transformative public infrastructure projects in the UK. Seconded to Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES), he manages the landmark Bath Walking, Wheeling and

Cycling Links (BWWCL) scheme — a key part of the city’s Active Travel Plan and Net Zero strategy. Rohit oversees every aspect of the project’s design and planning stages, aligning technical delivery with the council’s sustainability goals while fostering engagement between consultants, contractors, and the local community.

Why They Stood Out

Rohit combines technical mastery with an exceptional grasp of stakeholder engagement and risk management. His leadership of the BWWCL project saw him navigate a £9.8m scope with only £2.9m in initial funding, devising five phased delivery strategies that ensured project continuity despite financial constraints. His innovative approach — blending lean construction methods with agile scenario planning — has set new standards for public sector delivery.

Previously at McLaren Construction, Rohit’s work on the House of Wisdom digital library in the UAE introduced Last Planner and Just-in-Time systems, cutting costs by £2.6m and earning multiple regional awards for excellence.

Beyond technical achievement, Rohit is an educator and role model. As a CIOB

Tomorrow’s Leaders Champion, he’s delivered 15+ guest lectures at top UK universities and is recognised as one of the industry’s “Ones to Watch” by Construction Management magazine. His achievements — including being shortlisted for the CIOB Rising Star Award and the APM Emerging Project Professional Award — reflect a future leader already shaping industry change.

Highlights

• Youngest PM secondee at Bath and North East Somerset Council.
• Delivered £2.6m cost savings through lean project management methods.
• Managed complex stakeholder engagement across public consultation cycles.
• Shortlisted for CIOB Rising Star Award and APM Emerging Project Professional Award.
• Featured in Construction Management magazine’s “One to Watch”.
• Delivered 15+ guest lectures inspiring the next generation of project professionals.
• Active CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders Champion and advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Gurveen Rai – AtkinsRéalis

Overview

As a Graduate Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, Gurveen Rai exemplifies leadership, innovation, and empathy. Balancing project delivery with social value, sustainability, and inclusion, she has contributed to several high-profile schemes — from achieving BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum accreditations on the GSK HQ project, to leading resident engagement initiatives for London Borough housing projects. Gurveen brings both rigour and humanity to every stage of delivery.

Why They Stood Out

Gurveen’s achievements go far beyond her job title. Her coordination of sustainability accreditations on the GSK HQ project demonstrated exceptional skill in stakeholder alignment and programme management, while her social initiatives — including mental health awareness days and Subcontractor Roadshows — have redefined team culture and collaboration.

Her community leadership shone at the Triangle Estate project, where she helped rebuild residents’ trust after years of disappointment, developing co-created solutions that balanced technical quality with empathy.

Equally passionate about inspiring others, Gurveen spearheaded Women in Construction workshops for local schools, hosted global NextGen webinars, and led internal inclusion dialogues at AtkinsRéalis. Her voice has become a catalyst for change — inspiring young professionals, especially women, to pursue leadership in construction.

Highlights

• Led sustainability accreditations for GSK HQ (BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum).
• Delivered community engagement and mental health initiatives on major projects.
• Hosted Women in Construction events for schools and NextGen webinars globally.
• Champion of diversity, inclusion, and NextGen development within AtkinsRéalis.
• Actively pursuing RICS APC accreditation and professional growth.
• Recognised for client care, innovation, and collaboration across complex projects.

Henry Parker – VINCI Building

Overview

As Project Manager at VINCI Building, Henry Parker is leading one of the most complex and high-pressure construction programmes in the UK — the Birmingham Airport redevelopment. Managing multiple concurrent schemes worth more than £50m, he oversees a 20-strong team and extensive subcontractor network, delivering critical upgrades to security, baggage, and passenger facilities.

Why They Stood Out

Henry’s leadership combines precision with compassion. Under his guidance, the VINCI team has delivered the £44m Next Generation Security Scheme and £3m Security Expansion Project — both handed over on time and with exemplary safety performance. His commitment to health and safety, team morale, and collaborative culture has made the airport works a model of excellence, earning national construction awards for collaboration. Beyond delivery, Henry has nurtured a strong learning culture. His mentorship has propelled apprentices and young managers — including Vinci’s Apprentice of the Year — to excel. His approach to staff development, transparency, and client partnership has created an environment where innovation thrives and trust endures.

Highlights

• Delivered £50m+ of works at Birmingham Airport with no safety incidents.
• Five major live schemes completed or in progress under his leadership.
• Winner: National Construction Excellence Award for Collaboration.
• Mentored multiple apprentices and T-Level students to career progression.
• Achieved chartership and continues to advance professional education.
• Praised by clients for exceptional delivery, communication, and team ethos.

Varun Vivek Shah – Pulse Consult

Overview

A graduate of Nottingham Trent University with a Master’s in Project Management, Varun Vivek Shah is an Assistant Project Manager at Pulse Consult, where he’s rapidly emerged as a trusted leader in both project delivery and business development. His technical expertise, adaptability, and global outlook have made him a key contributor to Pulse’s expansion and reputation in the East Midlands.

Why They Stood Out

Varun’s achievements reflect maturity beyond his experience level. Within two years, he has successfully managed five concurrent university and residential projects, including the University of Nottingham’s £15m Decarbonisation Scheme and a 323-bed PBSA development at Talbot Street. His ability to take control of complex contracts — some midphase — has strengthened client trust and delivered results under pressure.

Varun’s impact extends across business development and sustainability. As Hub ESG

Champion and Vice-Chair of Pulse’s ‘Futures’ forum, he’s led Pulse’s recognition as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work (Sunday Times) and raised funds for regional charities through company events. His efforts to build international collaboration — and his vision to establish Pulse’s first Asian hub — underline his ambition to link global innovation with local delivery.

Highlights

• Managed £15m+ projects for the University of Nottingham and private sector clients.
• Delivered Pulse’s first McLaren Property PBSA scheme as acting project lead.
• Helped secure £51m in repeat client projects, generating over £120k in fees.
• Vice-Chair of Pulse’s ‘Futures’ forum and Hub ESG Champion.
• Spearheaded Pulse’s first inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work.
• Shortlisted: Insider Media Young Property Professional of the Year 2024.
• Recipient of the UK Government GREAT Scholarship for leadership potential.

Wrap-Up

From managing sustainable infrastructure in Bath to delivering aviation excellence at Birmingham Airport, this year’s Young Project Manager of the Year finalists exemplify modern leadership — adaptive, inclusive, and visionary.

Whether it’s Rohit Malhotra’s innovative public-sector planning, Gurveen Rai’s community and sustainability leadership, Henry Parker’s operational mastery, or Varun Shah’s strategic agility — these finalists are not just managing projects, they’re building the industry’s future.