Construction Director

Watkin Jones PLC; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health plan

Life insurance

25 days leave

Flexible home working

Gym discounts

Company car/allowance

Pension scheme

Job summary

Watkin Jones PLC is seeking a strategic Construction Director to lead a portfolio of residential development projects across the UK. You will drive delivery, budgets, and timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

The role requires leading multiple sites, coaching managers, and collaborating with internal teams and subcontractors. The successful candidate will balance a strong commercial mindset with people leadership, supporting growth in build‑to‑rent, PBSA and related

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in construction delivery across multiple project types.
• Strong focus on quality, safety, and client care.
• Excellent stakeholder management and decision‑making under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, timely project updates and manage budgets and timelines.
• Lead construction activities across multiple sites and drive operational excellence.
• Coach and mentor Construction Managers, Project Managers and teams.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and subcontractors.
• Contribute to strategic planning and team development.

Skills

Leadership

Construction delivery

Budget & risk management

Communication

Education

SMSTS certificate

First Aid certificate

Scaffolding certificate

CSCS Card

Job description

Step Into a Leadership Role with Watkin Jones – Shape the Future of Residential Development.

Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading name in residential development, is on the lookout for a talented and driven Construction Director to join our senior leadership team. As we continue to grow across the build-to-rent (BTR), co-living, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sectors, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our business and deliver exceptional living spaces across the UK.

The Role:

Operating on a national scale, we’re looking for someone who’s comfortable working nationwide /away from home as required (with expenses covered in line with company policy). As Construction Director, you will take the lead across your portfolio of projects, ensuring delivery is efficient, on‑budget, and aligned with our high standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing clear, timely project updates and maintaining control of budgets and timelines.
• Overcoming challenges with a proactive, solution‑focused approach.
• Leading construction activities across multiple sites, driving operational excellence.
• Coaching and mentoring Construction Managers, Project Managers, and wider teams.
• Building trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and subcontractors alike.
• Contributing to strategic planning while developing the skills and performance of your team.

About You:

We’re looking for a confident and collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic environment. Your ability to inspire and motivate teams, combined with a strong commercial mindset, will be key to your success.

You’ll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in construction delivery, ideally across multiple project types.
• A passion for quality, customer care, and innovation.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills at all levels.
• The confidence to make informed decisions and manage risk effectively.
• (Bonus) Experience in student accommodation or the build-to‑rent sector.

What we’d love you to have:

• SMSTS certificate
• First Aid certificate
• Scaffolding certificate
• CSCS Card

Why join us?

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:

• Professional Growth:Individual support for your career advancement.
• Rewards:Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Work‑Life Balance:25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), flexible working from home, and discounted gym memberships.
• Wellbeing: Access to‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform
• Benefits:Company car or allowance, exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

About Us:

Watkin Jones Group is the UK's leading developer, builder, and manager of residential‑for‑rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000 PBAS beds and BTR units since inception across 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 20,000 units across 58 schemes, representing £3.2bn of assets under management.

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