Mechanical Project Director

CTS Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits

Job summary

CTS Group is seeking a Project Director (Mechanical) to lead the delivery of large-scale industrial, data centre, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure projects across the UK. The role is based on-site in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, and reports to the Operations/Managing Director.

You will guide strategic direction, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure safety, quality, on-time delivery, and client satisfaction throughout pre-construction to handover.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience leading large-scale mechanical construction projects.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for major mechanical construction projects.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Act as primary senior point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Oversee design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Champion safety, quality, and compliance across projects.
• Lead and mentor project teams and drive talent development.
• Approve delivery strategies and major changes to programmes.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Mechanical Engineering

Communication

Team Leadership

BIM

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Building Services Engineering

Construction Management

Project Management

CEng (Desirable)

Tools

BIM environments

Digital tools

Job description

Lead the Delivery of Major Mechanical Construction Projects

We are seeking an exceptional Project Director (Mechanical) to lead the successful delivery of large-scale industrial, data centre, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure projects across the UK.

Based full-time on-site in Middlesbrough, this is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced construction professional with a proven track record of delivering complex mechanical projects from pre-construction through commissioning and handover.

As Project Director, you will provide strategic direction, leadership, and accountability for project execution, ensuring all mechanical works are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.

Location

Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Department

Project Delivery

Reports To

Operations Director / Managing Director

Direct Reports

Project Managers, Package Managers, Construction Managers, Commercial and Site Delivery Teams

About the Role

The Project Director will have overall responsibility for the planning, execution, commercial performance, and successful delivery of major projects. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee subcontractor performance, manage client relationships, and drive project strategy from award through to completion.

This role requires a highly experienced leader capable of managing large project teams, multiple stakeholders, and significant project budgets while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Provide overall leadership for the successful execution of major mechanical construction projects.

• Establish project objectives, delivery strategies, and key performance indicators.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on programme, within budget, and in accordance with contractual obligations.

• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all project functions.

• Lead project reviews and ensure lessons learned are captured and implemented.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Oversee project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.

• Monitor project risks, opportunities, variations, and change management processes.

• Work closely with commercial teams to maximise project profitability and minimise risk exposure.

• Ensure accurate reporting of project performance to senior management and stakeholders.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary senior point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

• Lead high-level project meetings and provide strategic direction where required.

• Ensure project objectives align with client expectations and business goals.

Mechanical Project Oversight

• Ensure the successful delivery of all mechanical systems including:

  • HVAC systems

  • Chilled water systems

  • Heating and cooling systems

  • Process pipework installations

  • Pumping systems

  • Compressed air systems

  • Fire protection systems

  • Building services infrastructure

• Oversee design management, procurement, installation, commissioning, and handover activities.

• Ensure compliance with project specifications, technical standards, and industry best practices.

Health, Safety & Quality Leadership

• Champion a safety-first culture across all project activities.

• Ensure full compliance with UK health and safety legislation and company procedures.

• Lead quality assurance initiatives and ensure projects meet required standards.

• Promote behavioural safety programmes and continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead and mentor Project Managers, Package Managers, Engineers, and site delivery teams.

• Build high-performing project teams through effective leadership and development.

• Support succession planning, performance management, and talent development activities.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

Authority & Accountability

The Project Director will be authorised to:

• Approve project delivery strategies and resource plans.

• Make key commercial and operational decisions relating to project execution.

• Direct project teams and subcontractors to achieve project objectives.

• Escalate and manage significant project risks and contractual issues.

• Suspend activities where serious safety, quality, or compliance concerns exist.

• Approve major changes to project programmes and delivery methodologies.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree-qualified in:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Building Services Engineering

  • Construction Management

  • Project Management

  • Related Engineering Discipline

• Strong understanding of mechanical construction and project delivery processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards chartership.

• SMSTS Certification.

• NEBOSH Construction Certificate.

• APM, PMP, or equivalent project management qualification.

• Experience delivering data centre, pharmaceutical, energy, manufacturing, or industrial projects.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Extensive understanding of mechanical building services and industrial systems.

• Proven expertise in project planning, programme management, and construction delivery.

• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.

• Experience managing projects with significant mechanical values and complex stakeholder environments.

• Familiarity with BIM environments and digital construction tools.

• Strong understanding of commissioning, quality assurance, and client handover requirements.

• Knowledge of UK construction legislation, CDM Regulations, and industry standards.

Experience Required

• Minimum 10-15 years' experience within the construction or engineering sector.

• At least 5 years' experience in a senior project leadership role, managing large-scale mechanical projects.

• Demonstrated success delivering high-value construction projects from inception through completion.

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple project stakeholders.

• Experience managing major subcontract packages and client-facing responsibilities.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.

• Strategic thinking with strong commercial acumen.

• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• High levels of accountability, professionalism, and integrity.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

• Strong focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive-level salary and benefits package.

• Opportunity to lead landmark mechanical construction projects across the UK.

• Significant career development and progression opportunities.

• Collaborative and ambitious working environment.

• A key leadership position within a growing and successful project delivery organisation.