PROJECT DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Location: Flexible within the UK
Function: Major Projects
Reports to: Head of Programme (FPT)
Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK’s leading ports group, playing a vital role in Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition. With 21 ports, 87km of quay, and 5,000 hectares of port estate, we handle over 100 million tonnes of cargo annually and support more than half of the UK’s offshore wind capacity.
We are now seeking a Project Development Lead to join our Major Projects team, which is responsible for delivering complex, high-value infrastructure projects that shape the future of UK trade and energy.

THE ROLE

As Project Development Lead, you will:

• Lead the Strategic Definition (Stage 0) and Feasibility (Stage 1) phases of major infrastructure projects (£20m–£200m+).
• Collaborate with commercial and property teams to shape project opportunities and establish robust delivery foundations.
• Champion project management best practice across the full lifecycle of ABP’s major project portfolio.
• Influence strategic decisions and engage with senior stakeholders across ABP and external partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage a pipeline of major project opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs to optimise business case viability.
• Establish and lead Project Steering Committees during feasibility stages.
• Drive clarity in scope, stakeholder requirements, and execution planning.
• Lead the implementation of consistent project management principles across ABP.