Construction Director

Watkin Jones Group; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential development firm in the UK seeks a Construction Director to oversee multiple projects. You'll ensure efficient delivery, manage budgets, and lead a growing team. Ideal candidates have proven construction leadership experience and strong communication skills. This role offers a discretionary bonus, career advancement support, and a fulfilling work-life balance.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Life insurance

Flexible working from home

Discounted gym memberships

Company car or allowance

Exclusive shopping discounts

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Providing clear, timely project updates and maintaining control of budgets.
• Leading construction activities across multiple sites.
• Coaching and mentoring Construction Managers and teams.

Skills

Leadership experience in construction delivery

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Ability to inspire and motivate teams

Proactive, solution-focused approach

Confidence in decision making and risk management

Education

SMSTS certificate

First Aid certificate

Scaffolding certificate

CSCS Card

Job description

Overview

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 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

• 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.

Youll 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.