Head of Projects

Pareto FM; Worthing; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A facilities management company in the UK is seeking a Head of Projects to lead project delivery across various accounts. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing project teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget, and maintaining high standards of compliance. A strong background in FM, engineering, or construction, along with relevant qualifications, is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering projects.
• Strong track record managing project teams.
• Solid commercial acumen and cash performance delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project team, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Oversee delivery of all projects from inception to completion.
• Act as senior contact for key client accounts.

Skills

Project delivery within FM, engineering, or construction

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Client-facing communication

Knowledge of CDM Regulations

Education

Degree in construction, engineering, or related field

Chartered status (RICS, CIOB, CIBSE)

Project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2)

Job description

Overview

Head of Projects – Business Unit North

Location: UK Wide Accounts

Reports to: Business Unit Director

Role Purpose

The Head of Projects will lead the Projects function within their assigned Business Unit at Pareto. Responsible for all project delivery activity within the Business Unit, covering capital works, lifecycle, refurbishments, and fit outs. The role ensures projects are delivered safely on time, to budget, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

The postholder will work closely with the BU leadership team, as well as the central Commercial, Procurement, and Finance functions, to ensure projects contribute positively to BU growth, margin delivery, and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & BU Integration
  • Lead the BU projects team, setting clear objectives, managing performance, and developing capability.
  • Align project delivery with the overall BU strategy and operational model.
  • Act as a senior member of the BU management team, contributing to strategy, planning, and client development.
• Project Delivery
  • Oversee delivery of all BU projects (typically £50k–£2m) from inception to completion.
  • Ensure robust controls are applied across programme, scope, budget, quality, risk, and health & safety.
  • Drive innovation, sustainability, and ESG commitments within project execution.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as the BU’s senior projects contact for key client accounts.
  • Work with BD and Operations to support project bids, tenders, and proposals.
  • Build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.
• Commercial & Financial Management
  • Ensure projects achieve agreed BU financial targets and margins.
  • Manage cost plans, forecasts, cash flow, and reporting in collaboration with Finance and Commercial.
  • Apply best practice procurement and contract management.
• Governance & Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with statutory and company H&S standards, embedding a zero-harm culture.
  • Provide accurate, timely BU reporting to the Business Unit Director and Group COO.
  • Ensure adherence to Pareto’s project governance and risk management frameworks.

Person Specification

Experience & Skills

• Significant experience delivering projects within FM, engineering, or construction.
• Strong track record of managing project teams in a BU, regional, or account context.
• Solid commercial acumen with proven ability to deliver margin and cash performance.
• Excellent stakeholder management, client-facing confidence, and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of project methodologies, CDM Regulations, and statutory compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree (construction, engineering, or related) preferred.
• Chartered (RICS, CIOB, CIBSE) or working towards desirable.
• Project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2) an advantage.

Attributes

• Results-driven with ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.
• Collaborative leadership style, able to influence BU peers and Group stakeholders.
• Strong focus on client service, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable in a high-growth environment.