Construction Director

Watkin Jones Group; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Watkin Jones Group is seeking a Construction Director to lead projects in the residential development sector. The role involves overseeing multiple sites and maintaining budget and delivery standards while fostering team development and building relationships with stakeholders. Join a leading company committed to investing in its people and providing opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Life insurance

25 days of annual leave

Flexible working from home

Discounted gym memberships

Company car or allowance

Exclusive shopping discounts

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in construction delivery.
• Passion for quality, customer care, and innovation.
• Experience in student accommodation or BTR sector a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead project portfolio ensuring efficient delivery and budget management.
• Overcome challenges proactively and maintain strong communication.
• Mentor and coach construction teams and contribute to strategic planning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Decision Making

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 seeking a talented and driven Construction Director to join our senior leadership team. As we expand across the build-to-rent (BTR), co-living, and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sectors, this is a unique opportunity to shape our business's future and deliver exceptional living spaces across the UK.

The Role:

Operating on a national scale, we are looking for someone comfortable working away from home as required (expenses covered according to company policy). As Construction Director, you will lead your project portfolio, ensuring delivery is efficient, on-budget, and up to our high standards.

Key responsibilities include:

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

About You:

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

You’ll bring:

1. Proven leadership experience in construction delivery, ideally across multiple project types.
2. A passion for quality, customer care, and innovation.
3. Strong communication and relationship-building skills at all levels.
4. Confidence to make informed decisions and manage risks effectively.
5. (Bonus) Experience in student accommodation or the build-to-rent sector.

What we’d love you to have:

1. SMSTS certificate
2. First Aid certificate
3. Scaffolding certificate
4. CSCS Card

Why join us?

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

• Professional Growth: 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 history dating back to 1791. With 54,000 PBSA beds and BTR units across 254 schemes, we have a proven track record. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 20,000 units across 58 schemes, representing £3.2bn of assets under management.