Project Director

ZipRecruiter; Derby; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company is seeking a Project Director to lead a high-value civils programme in Derby. This role involves full lifecycle delivery of major infrastructure projects and requires proven experience in managing heavy civils works, particularly in secure environments. With a focus on safety and excellence, this position offers a competitive package and significant opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Competitive package with strong potential for career advancement

Join a prestigious and complex civils programme

Work with a reputable organization emphasizing safety and innovation

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading projects valued at £100m+.
• Background in secure environments like defence or government infrastructure.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts, particularly Option E.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle delivery of heavy civils and enabling works.
• Oversee project mobilisation, planning, risk management, and delivery oversight.
• Monitor and report on programme performance.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Awareness

Risk Management

Strategic Thinking

Education

HND/HNC or higher in civil engineering

Leadership qualifications including NVQ Level 7

Job description

Job Description

Project Director – Major Civils Programme

Location: Derby

Contract: Permanent

Security Requirement: Must be eligible for high-level security clearance

Our client, a leading construction company in the UK, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Project Director to lead the delivery of a multi-year, £150m+ heavy civils and infrastructure programme in the Derby area.

The position is embedded with a Tier 1 subcontractor, taking ownership of a critical package of works within one of the UK’s most secure and technically complex infrastructure schemes.

This is a rare opportunity to work on a long-term, high-value project delivering £25–30 million per year in heavy civils works. The role demands a seasoned leader with a sharp operational focus, adept at navigating NEC Option E frameworks in a live, high-security setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead full lifecycle delivery of heavy civils and enabling works, including excavation, deep drainage, utilities, substructures, and new infrastructure (bridges, haulage roads, access routes).
• Oversee project mobilisation, planning, risk management, delivery oversight, and change control, ensuring excellence in safety, programme, and budget.
• Implement robust project governance in line with NEC Option E contract requirements.
• Champion HSEQ standards, ensuring safety leadership and compliance across all site activities.
• Act as a key liaison with client-side stakeholders and Principal Contractor, ensuring project alignment and strong collaborative relationships.
• Monitor and report on programme performance, identifying opportunities for optimisation and resolving emerging issues swiftly.

About You:

• Proven experience leading major civils or infrastructure projects valued at £100m+, ideally with a Tier 1 subcontractor.
• Background in secure or highly regulated environments (e.g., defence, nuclear, aerospace, government infrastructure) is highly advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts (particularly Option E) and familiarity with high-value project controls.
• Leadership qualifications including NVQ Level 7 or equivalent, CSCS Card (Black/Platinum), SMSTS, and IOSH Managing Safely.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and team development capability.
• HND/HNC or higher in civil engineering or related discipline.

Why Apply?

• Play a lead role in delivering one of the UK’s most prestigious and complex civils programmes.
• Join a secure, long-term project with significant investment and industry recognition.
• Work with an organisation that values technical leadership, innovation, and safety excellence.
• Competitive package with strong potential for career advancement in a high-profile environment.

Apply now to take your place at the forefront of UK civil engineering excellence. A member of our recruitment team will be in touch to discuss your application in confidence.