Project Director

Unite People; East Hertfordshire; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Unite People is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead large-scale industrial build schemes. You will deliver projects from pre-construction through to handover, overseeing safety, programme, budget and quality while managing client relationships and a multi-disciplinary team.

The role requires a proven track record on £20m+ industrial, logistics or manufacturing projects, with strong leadership and contract management capabilities.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as Project Director or Senior Project Manager with a main contractor.
• Experience delivering industrial, logistics or manufacturing projects over £20m in value.
• SMSTS (essential) and CSCS Black Card; First Aid at Work; Chartered membership desirable; full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Take accountability for safe, profitable delivery from pre-construction to final account.
• Lead project teams including PMs, Site Managers, Commercial and Design Managers.
• Act as senior client and stakeholder contact; build long-term relationships.
• Drive health, safety and environmental culture; ensure CDM compliance.
• Oversee programme, cost and quality; report progress to the board.
• Collaborate with commercial team to manage cash flow, change control and risk.
• Manage design process with Design Managers and consultants; value engineering.
• Support bids and pre-construction; contribute to tender strategy and client presentations.
• Manage supply chain and subcontractor performance; procurement strategy.
• Ensure smooth commissioning, handover and O&M documentation and defects management.

Skills

Project Director experience

Industrial / logistics projects

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Contract management

Education

Degree/HND in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Job description

Project Director - Industrial Build

Our client, a leading main contractor in the industrial and logistics sector, is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead the delivery of large-scale design and build industrial projects. Schemes typically include distribution centres, manufacturing facilities, warehousing and logistics hubs, ranging from £20m to £100m+ in value.

Reporting to the Operations Director or Managing Director, you will hold full responsibility for project delivery from pre-construction through to handover. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, own client relationships, and ensure every project is delivered safely, on programme, to budget and to the highest quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Take overall accountability for the safe, profitable delivery of industrial build projects from pre-construction to final account.
• Lead, develop and motivate project teams, including Project Managers, Site Managers, Commercial Managers and Design Managers.
• Act as the senior point of contact for clients, consultants, end users and key stakeholders, building long-term relationships and repeat business.
• Drive a strong health, safety and environmental culture across all sites, ensuring full CDM compliance.
• Oversee programme, cost and quality control, reporting progress and forecasts to the board.
• Work closely with the commercial team to manage cash flow, change control, risk and opportunity, and maximise margin.
• Manage the design process with Design Managers and consultants, including value engineering and buildability reviews.
• Support bids and pre-construction, contributing to tender strategy, programmes and client presentations.
• Manage supply chain and subcontractor performance, procurement strategy and package awards.
• Ensure smooth commissioning, handover and close-out, including O&M documentation and defects management.

Skills and experience required

• Proven track record as a Project Director or Senior Project Manager with a main contractor, delivering industrial, logistics or manufacturing projects.
• Experience leading multiple projects or single schemes of £20m+ in value.
• Strong working knowledge of steel frame, portal frame, cladding, large-span floor slabs and associated external works.
• Sound understanding of design and build procurement and JCT / NEC contracts.
• Excellent commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, cost reporting and change.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.
• Confident communicator, able to manage clients and stakeholders at senior level.
• A stable career history with a reputation for delivering repeat business.

Qualifications

• Degree or HND in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Building Surveying or a related discipline.
• SMSTS (essential) and a valid CSCS Black Card.
• First Aid at Work.
• Chartered membership (CIOB, RICS or ICE) is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.