Project Director

About the Role

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of major projects, we are seeking an exceptional Project Director to lead the delivery of a flagship 180 million construction scheme for a leading UK main contractor.

This role requires a proven leader with extensive experience managing complex, high–value projects within a Tier 1 or leading regional contractor environment. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for operational delivery, commercial performance, client management, programme certainty, and health & safety across the project lifecycle.

You will lead a large multidisciplinary team and work closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and senior business leadership to ensure successful project outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. Experience of delivering major new build Data Centres or Distribution facilities would be an advantage, but recent relevant experience delivering complex projects with values in excess of 100m in value is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership Provide strategic and operational leadership for the successful delivery of a 150m construction project from pre–construction through to practical completion.

Lead and coordinate all project functions including construction, engineering, commercial, planning, design management, and commissioning.

Ensure project delivery aligns with company objectives, contractual obligations, and client expectations.

Develop and implement robust project execution and delivery strategies.

Client & Stakeholder Management Act as the senior representative for the business with the client, professional team, and external stakeholders.

Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders and maintain high levels of client satisfaction.

Lead senior project meetings, reporting processes, and governance reviews.

Manage sensitive issues, risks, and disputes in a proactive and solutions–focused manner.

Commercial & Contractual Management Take overall accountability for project financial performance, including budget control, forecasting, margin protection, and cash flow.

Work closely with the Commercial Director and project commercial team to manage procurement, subcontract packages, valuations, variations, and final accounts.

Ensure effective administration of contract conditions under JCT and/or NEC forms of contract.

Identify commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect project performance.

Programme & Construction Delivery Drive programme certainty and ensure key milestones and sectional completions are achieved.

Oversee construction sequencing, logistics, and buildability strategies.

Monitor project progress and performance against programme, cost, quality, and resource targets.

Lead recovery planning where necessary and implement corrective actions to maintain delivery objectives.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality Champion a strong safety–first culture across the project and wider supply chain.

Ensure compliance with all statutory regulations, company policies, and best practice standards.

Promote behavioural safety, environmental sustainability, and quality excellence.

Lead incident management, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Team & Supply Chain Leadership Lead, motivate, and develop a high–performing project team.

Drive collaboration across internal departments and external supply chain partners.

Support succession planning, mentoring, and professional development within the project team.

Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Experience Proven experience as a Project Director or Senior Project Lead delivering major projects valued 100m+ within a UK main contractor environment.

Strong track record delivering large–scale commercial, mixed–use, residential, healthcare, industrial, or infrastructure projects.

Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and multidisciplinary delivery teams.

Extensive knowledge of construction delivery methodologies, project controls, and risk management.

Strong commercial awareness with experience administering major contracts.

Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.

Qualifications Degree qualified in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline.

Chartered status desirable with organisations such as CIOB, RICS, or ICE.

SMSTS certification essential.

CSCS Black Card desirable.

Key Competencies Strategic leadership

Major project delivery

Commercial acumen

Client relationship management

Contractual expertise

Risk and programme management

Team leadership and development

Decision making under pressure

Collaborative approach

Benefits

The company offer an excellent salary, bonus and benefits package, and an environment offering progression and opportunity for further development. For more information, please contact Andy Hayton at Cotech Building Careers on (phone number removed)