Director of Projects - Construction

at  Martin Veasey Talent Solutions

DIRECTOR OF PROJECTS

Salary: £125 000 - £150 000 (DOE) + Benefits including Car/Allowance, Bonus & Relocation Assistance
Location: North West UK (Relocation Assistance Available)
Commutable from Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, North Cheshire. Relocation Assistance Available.
Are you a visionary leader with a talent for managing complex projects and inspiring teams? Our client is seeking a seasoned professional for the role of Director of Projects, with a clear path advancing to Managing Director (Designate). This is a unique opportunity, combining strategic influence and operational oversight, where your expertise will drive success and innovation in specified and engineered installations, through leadership, transformational change, and continuous improvement.
Our client is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of fabricated and engineered products for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Their extensive product range includes 100’s of CE-certified systems for various uses, complemented by a comprehensive array of accessories.
In the UK, their major projects involve installing systems for off-grid data centres for high-profile clients. Additionally, they handle significant industrial installations at hospitals, schools, and hotels, as well as commercial projects at restaurants and shopping malls. The business has seen substantial growth, with a £multi million order book in industrial and data centre work.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• To excel in this role, you need a strong background in project management within specified, engineered, and fabricated installations or similar. You will be adept at leading multiple projects nationally through your team. We are looking for someone with at least 7-10 years of experience, demonstrating expertise in engineering, design, and civil engineering principles. Experience of project managing HVAC, Air Control, M & E and similar in heavy industrial/manufacturing or semi/automated logistics or data centres (not pharma or infrastructure/civils) would be ideal.
• Strong leadership skills are essential. You should have a proven ability to manage multiple, complex, high-value projects and possess exceptional client and stakeholder management abilities.
• Demonstrable experience in leading change and transformation to embed best in class project management and service excellence will be a critical to success. This will include experience of building, leading and managing a high performance, continuous improvement, and excellent service focused culture.
• Proficiency in financial planning and management, including preparing CAPEX budgets and managing contractor proposals, is important. Your experience should include developing and negotiating contract terms and conditions for services, construction, engineering, materials, and equipment installation. Understanding contracting principles and legal terms is beneficial.
• Relevant project management qualifications (APM, PPM) and a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, and construction management, or a related field are necessary.
• Commitment to upholding the highest safety, quality, and sustainability standards is crucial, along with an understanding of the wider project context and client objectives.

THE ROLE

As part of the Senior Leadership team, you will manage a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet quality, budget, and timeline standards. You will collaborate closely with sales, design, production, and procurement. You will oversee and mentor a team of project managers, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment. Your ability to inspire and develop teams will be crucial as you guide them through complex projects and high business growth.
The role is offered on a hybrid basis; however, you will need to reside in the North West eg Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cumbria, or North Cheshire, as a primary objective will be to lead and embed best in class project delivery and management. This will be best achieved by collaborating closely with technical, design and other teams located on site at the manufacturing facility. Our client will consider a relocation package to the North West, in line with HMRC guidelines, for the right candidate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Leadership and Management

As the Director of Projects, you will lead the successful delivery of installation projects from “cradle to grave”, ensuring budget, schedule, and quality standards are met. Motivate project management teams and oversee planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to optimise efficiency.

• Client and Stakeholder Engagement

You will serve as the primary liaison with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors, fostering strong relationships and provide regular updates to Senior Executive Teams on project progress, issues, and risks.

• Project Meetings and Reporting

Establish effective project reporting procedures and systems, providing regular quality, cost, and progress reports to stakeholders.

• Performance Monitoring and Improvement

Set and monitor project-level KPIs, proactively identify and mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives, while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and safety standards.

• Team Development and Management

Lead and develop project teams to ensure high performance and job satisfaction, while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

• Strategic Planning and Execution

Develop comprehensive project plans and coordinate various stakeholders throughout all project phases, as well as contribute to procurement strategy and oversee tender schedules.

• Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance

Ensure project activities comply with safety, quality, and sustainability standards, and implement and communicate company requirements on Health, Safety & Environment.