Project Director

PACE Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pace Recruitment Ltd and a leading main contractor seek a Project Director to spearhead a new Manchester division. The role drives regional growth, develops the client base, and oversees operational delivery from inception to handover.

You will establish a local team, manage projects up to £5m, and build long-term relationships with clients across the North West, with a competitive package and strong growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience at senior level within a main contracting environment.
• Strong technical and commercial background with understanding of construction contracts.
• Experience overseeing projects from tender through to completion.
• Established network of clients, subcontractors and suppliers in Manchester and the North West.
• Commercially astute, entrepreneurial and capable of developing a regional operation.
• Experience across sectors such as pharmaceutical, healthcare and defence would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full project lifecycle, from initial tender and pre-construction through to delivery and final handover.
• Take overall responsibility for projects typically valued up to £5m.
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations, ensuring projects are delivered profitably and in accordance with contracts.
• Drive regional business development, identifying new opportunities and establishing long-term client relationships.
• Build, manage and develop a local delivery team as the division grows.
• Work closely with the Southern leadership team to implement the regional growth strategy.

Job description

Project Director - Manchester Expansion

Location: Manchester City Centre (Piccadilly area)

Salary: £100,000 circa + Package, Bonuses & Future Growth Opportunities

A highly successful, multi-sector main contractor is looking to appoint an ambitious Project Director to spearhead its expansion into the North West, establishing and developing a brand-new Manchester division.

With an established 15-year track record across the South, the business is now looking to replicate its success in the North, offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced construction professional to take ownership of a regional operation and play a major role in its long-term growth.

Reporting directly to the Business Director, the successful candidate will become the first senior appointment on the ground in Manchester, with responsibility for developing the regional client base, securing new projects and overseeing operational delivery.

The Opportunity:

• Establish and develop a new regional division with full backing from the established Southern business.
• Take ownership of regional growth, targeting £5m-£10m turnover within the first few years.
• Build and develop your own operational team, with significant autonomy over recruitment and expansion.
• Develop relationships with new and existing clients, subcontractors and suppliers across the North West.
• Benefit from an established business, existing operational infrastructure and financial support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full project lifecycle, from initial tender and pre-construction through to delivery and final handover.
• Take overall responsibility for projects typically valued up to £5m.
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations, ensuring projects are delivered profitably and in accordance with agreed contracts.
• Drive regional business development, identifying new opportunities and establishing long-term client relationships.
• Build, manage and develop a local delivery team as the division grows.
• Work closely with the Southern leadership team to implement the regional growth strategy.

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience at Project Director, Contracts Director, Operations Director or similar senior level within a main contracting environment.
• Strong technical and commercial background, with a thorough understanding of construction contracts and contract law.
• Experience overseeing projects from tender and pre-construction through to completion.
• Established network of clients, subcontractors and suppliers across Manchester and the wider North West.
• Commercially astute, entrepreneurial and capable of developing a regional operation.
• Experience across sectors such as pharmaceutical, healthcare and defence would be advantageous.

The Opportunity:

This is an opportunity to join an established and financially backed contractor at a pivotal stage of its expansion, with the autonomy to build a regional business rather than inherit an existing operation.

The salary is flexible for the right individual, with a circa £100,000 basic salary, additional package and bonus potential, alongside significant long-term opportunities as the Manchester division develops