Project Director

AUSTIN MATLEY; Chester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading project management firm in the UK seeks an experienced Project Manager to oversee various commercial fit-out projects. This role demands exceptional organizational skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage budgets effectively. As the main point of contact for clients, you will ensure projects run smoothly and meet high standards. The ideal candidate should possess project management experience and a familiarity with different project management tools and frameworks.

Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple successful projects of varying sizes and complexities.
• Familiarity with project management frameworks such as PRINCE2, PMI, or Agile.
• Proven ability to implement process improvements effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead on commercial fit-out projects while managing budgets and deadlines.
• Oversee execution of projects and ensure client satisfaction.
• Develop and monitor project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow.

Skills

Project management

Budget control

Client relationship management

Attention to detail

Strategic thinking

Education

Project Management qualification

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Smartsheet

Job description

Role Summary

Our client is a market leading and professional project management company that designs and builds across the UK, with projects ranging in size from £10,000 to £350,000, all requiring the same immaculate detail to all aspects.

This role has responsibility to deliver projects on time and in budget, with relevant input prior to sale to enhance deliverability.

Role Narrative

Our client is looking for a practical team member with a positive mindset who is keen to develop their skills and deliver an outstanding customer experience.

As a Project Manager you will lead on a number of commercial fit out projects, where attention to detail and client relationship management is absolutely key. You will not only oversee project execution but also contribute to commercial strategy through rigorous budget management, forecasting, and process improvement. You will leverage project management tools to plan, monitor, and report progress, ensuring senior management has full visibility of financial and operational performance.

In this role you will be office based, carrying out full project management, with site visits anywhere between South Birmingham and Carlisle. You will be the main point of contact for clients, contractors and senior management. You will be responsible for the professional running of the project, ensuring everything runs on time and within budget.

You will lead a team of direct reports and indirect reports (subcontractors), leading performance reviews, 121s and ensuring all project related admin and system inputs are accurate, on time and updated.

Key Responsibilities

• Executing project delivery strategy, and ensuring financial targets are met.
• Contributing to and understanding the construction drawings to ensure deliverability.
• Development of systems and processes within the company to streamline the project delivery.
• Co-ordinating and managing Client and supply chain subcontractors on site, ensuring timely arrival and completion of works.
• Liaising with the client and office team to deliver projects to an excellent standard, including the equipment installation.
• Manage of site Health and Safety, including management of CDM 2015 Regs, and subcontractors.
• Ensuring high quality and accurate project documentation and monthly reporting.
• Effective internal and external communication throughout all phases of the project.
• Leading and developing a high-quality project implementation team.
• Develop and monitor project budgets, forecasts, and cashflow, ensuring alignment with overall P&L targets.
• Provide detailed cost analysis and financial reporting to drive strategic decision-making.
• Create and maintain project dashboards using project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Asana, or similar).
• Lead post-project reviews to capture lessons learned, assess ROI, and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Drive risk management strategies to mitigate financial, operational, and contractual risks.

Key Attributes

Ability to program and organise: To achieve the goals for 2024, the company needs to be able to execute on multiple projects at one time. You will need to be able to program and organise resources, teams, and materials to achieve this.

Attention to detail: We require a significant attention to detail, bearing in mind the clients we are dealing with often treat their practice as their own home and require that level of detailed finish to the project. A sloppy finish and a “that’ll do” attitude is not suitable for this role.

Compliance & Resources: Important understanding and execution of compliance, without stifling productivity. Locating, measuring, and vetting resources to multiply the company’s capacity for project delivery.

Budget Control: Requires a key understanding and aptitude for executing a project to within or under a budget. Negotiation of budget rates with contractors and suppliers will be key in keeping us competitive within the marketplace.

Commercial Acumen: Strong ability to interpret financial data, manage P&L impact, and balance cost with quality.

Strategic Thinker: Ability to align project execution with long-term business objectives.

Analytical Mindset: Skilled at turning data into actionable insights to improve efficiency and profitability.

Leadership: Capable of inspiring teams, driving accountability, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Related project management experience; required to manage multiple successful projects varying in size, value and complexity.
• Experience with project pitches, procurement and sub-contractor selection.
• Project Management qualification desirable, but not essential.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, with responsibility for forecasting and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with P&L management and ability to contribute to financial planning cycles.
• Strong working knowledge of project management frameworks (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI, Agile) and tools.
• Proven ability to implement process improvements that deliver measurable operational or financial benefits.
• Experience with project management software tools and Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, MS Teams, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Systems experience, CRM, HR systems (HRIS), ERP etc.
• Experience managing and developing a team.
• Honesty, Trustworthiness & Reliability.
• Attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Energetic and driven.
• Solutions driven.
• Willingness, flexibility and working as part of a small team.
• Ultimately customer service focused.
• Humble approach, non-egotistical, hunger to succeed through strong leadership, adaptable and smart with people to enhance relationships and drive success in the role.