Project Director

The Role

An experienced Project Director is required to take overall responsibility for a major £150m design-and-build project within an existing operational, security-sensitive facility.

Currently at PCSA/pre-construction stage, the development will include a new advanced manufacturing facility extending to more than 32,000m², alongside engineering areas, offices, storage facilities, utility infrastructure and associated external works. Main construction is currently anticipated to commence around March/April 2027.

The successful candidate will operate as the head of the project business unit, leading the scheme from pre-construction through delivery, commissioning and final handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall direction for the project.
• Lead the PCSA, pre-construction and design-development processes.
• Establish the project delivery strategy, master programme and logistics plan.
• Manage senior client, stakeholder and operational-team relationships.
• Lead consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and internal project teams.
• Oversee the procurement and delivery of major work packages.
• Take responsibility for project expenditure, budget and commercial performance.
• Manage project risks, opportunities, reporting and governance procedures.
• Ensure effective contract administration and accurate record keeping.
• Lead health, safety, environmental, quality and programme performance.
• Build, resource, manage and motivate the senior delivery team.
• Coordinate construction within a live, controlled and security-sensitive environment.
• Manage complex MEP, process, technical and commissioning interfaces.
• Lead completion, commissioning and final handover.

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience as a Project Director, Senior Project Director or Construction Director.
• Strong Tier 1 or major main-contractor background.
• Proven experience delivering individual projects valued at more than £100m.
• Excellent PCSA and pre-construction experience.
• Experience taking a complex project from pre-construction through to completion.
• Strong engineering, construction or technically led background.
• Excellent commercial, contractual and programme-management ability.
• Experience managing large, multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder-management skills.
• Knowledge of complex building services, commissioning and technical interfaces.
• Good understanding of design-and-build contracts, ideally JCT and/or NEC.
• Experience in defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical, life sciences, data centres, semiconductors, energy or healthcare would be beneficial.