Construction Director

Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd is partnering with a leading London residential developer to appoint an experienced Construction Director. This senior role oversees delivery across a large portfolio of schemes, spending time on site with delivery teams and ensuring programme, quality and safety are upheld.

You will lead Construction Managers and Project Directors, drive accountability and performance, and build strong relationships with subcontractors and delivery partners while navigating

Qualifications

• Proven track record as Construction Director or equivalent in London residential development.
• Experience managing a large multi-site residential portfolio (1,000+ units).
• Strong programme, safety and delivery credentials.
• Hands-on leadership with senior construction professionals and delivery partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction delivery across multiple live residential schemes.
• Develop Construction Managers, Project Directors and wider site teams.
• Maintain focus on programme, quality, safety and delivery.
• Provide hands-on leadership and intervention on projects where required.
• Build relationships with subcontractors, consultants and delivery partners.
• Identify issues early and keep projects on track.
• Drive accountability and performance across the operation.
• Support growth of the development pipeline and navigate regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-site management

Programme delivery

Commercial awareness

People leadership

Delivery assurance

Relationship building

Site leadership

Job description

Construction Director - London Residential

I'm working with a leading London residential developer who are looking to appoint an experienced Construction Director to take a senior role within their growing construction operation.

The business currently has over 2,500 units under construction, with this expected to increase next year, across a substantial multi-site portfolio throughout London and the surrounding areas.

This is a key appointment for the business and will suit someone who has already operated at Construction Director, Regional Construction Director or senior Operations Director level and has the credibility to lead a sizeable construction function.

The Role

You will have overall responsibility for construction delivery across a large portfolio of residential schemes, working closely with the Managing Director, Commercial Director and Technical Director.

The role will involve:

• Leading and driving construction delivery across multiple live residential schemes.
• Managing and developing Construction Managers, Project Directors and wider site teams.
• Maintaining a strong focus on programme, quality, safety and delivery.
• Providing hands‑on leadership and intervention on projects where required.
• Building strong relationships with subcontractors, consultants and delivery partners.
• Identifying issues early and ensuring projects remain on track.
• Driving accountability and performance across the construction operation.
• Supporting the business as it continues to grow its development pipeline.
• Working across increasingly complex regulatory requirements, including BSR and Gateway processes.

This is a site‑led role rather than a traditional office‑based director position. You will be expected to spend time across the portfolio and with the delivery teams, with a good level of autonomy around how you manage your week.

About You

The business is looking for an established construction leader with a strong track record across London residential development.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience at Construction Director, Regional Construction Director or equivalent level.
• Experience managing a substantial multi‑site residential portfolio.
• Proven experience across 1,000+ units, ideally significantly more.
• Strong high‑rise / complex residential experience.
• Excellent programme and delivery credentials.
• Experience managing senior construction professionals and large site teams.
• Strong relationships across the subcontractor and supply chain market.
• Good understanding of BSR / Building Safety Act requirements and Gateway processes.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the developer environment.
• A hands‑on, solutions‑focused approach rather than being purely office‑based.

Candidates from both major residential developers and strong delivery‑led main contractors will be considered, provided they can demonstrate the scale, leadership and developer‑facing experience required.