Project Director - Data Centres

HDR; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Project Director to lead large-scale multidisciplinary projects in a dynamic environment. The role demands strong leadership skills, extensive project management experience, and a commitment to client satisfaction. Join HDR to make a meaningful impact and drive business growth while fostering an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in designing and managing mission-critical projects.
• Proficiency in leadership and business development.
• Incorporated status preferred; pursuing Chartered status is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage large-scale multidisciplinary teams on mission-critical projects.
• Ensure timely project delivery and adherence to commercial targets.
• Conduct monthly performance reviews and manage client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Strategic Planning

People Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

About You

We are looking for a personable self-starter with the ability to project a positive 'can-do' professional attitude at all times, maintaining good working relationships. Someone who enjoys working collaboratively across disciplines, establishing excellent rapport within the team, business, and with clients, with the ability to work under pressure, handle a varied workload, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining the highest level of technical excellence.

Primary Objective

To effectively manage large-scale multidisciplinary teams on mission-critical projects in the role of Project Director, carry out sales and business development activities to support business growth, and ensure projects are delivered technically correct and on time, while maintaining target profit levels. Promote cross-selling among disciplines and liaise with other Senior Directors.

Responsibilities

Project Management

As Project Director, take full responsibility and accountability for project performance (Technical, Programme, and Commercial) for all disciplines under the Lead Consultant role. Ensure all disciplines are fully coordinated, technically correct, of the required quality, and commercially managed to meet project costs and revenue targets.

Financial Performance Review

• Review monthly Project Job Costing Reports.
• Review monthly reported Profit and Sales figures.
• Provide quarterly written reports to the board.
• Input, review, and act on financial data as required.

Sales Management/Business Development

• Maintain regular contact with clients and foster relationships.
• Entertain clients and relevant colleagues.
• Agree on fee basis and monthly drawdown schedules.
• Define deliverables directly with clients and policy decisions.
• Lead presentations for new projects and coordinate disciplines.
• Manage third-party disciplines.
• Ensure timely invoicing for services offered.
• Pursue outstanding sales ledger debtors (target: max 60 days).
• Progress sales opportunities.
• Ensure projects meet profit targets.
• Handle formal complaints directly.
• Conduct after-sales and client reviews.
• Develop sales contacts and expand the practice's marketing base.
• Develop new activities for the Practice.
• Assist in marketing and corporate events.
• Support other Directors in sales and marketing.
• Follow up on sales leads generated by Business Development.

General Duties

• Manage and control project resources.
• Ensure technical compliance and quality of all deliverables.
• Sign off reports and deliverables.
• Attend client and policy meetings.
• Ensure all deadlines are met.
• Liaise with team members to meet profit targets.
• Record scope changes affecting fees and advise accordingly.
• Post-contract reviews with clients.
• Undertake design responsibilities and support other Directors as needed.
• Plan training and succession to ensure future expertise.
• Support practice management and quality systems.
• Assist in engineering activities and act as Design Team Leader where appropriate.
• Ensure no claims on PI, diligently check contract documents.
• Interview and recruit new team members with approval.
• Control technical documents and guides.
• Support audits and other fields including sales, resource control, and problem solving.
• Review and approve timecards, expenses, and utilization.
• Authorize holiday requests and maintain technical registers.
• Ensure ISO 9001 and 14001 compliance.

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Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Leadership, business development, and strategic planning skills
• Active participation in our employee-owned culture
• Minimum 10 years' experience in designing and managing projects, especially in datacentre/mission-critical projects
• Proficiency in MS Office and MS Project
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Incorporated status preferred; pursuing Chartered status is a plus
• Ability to establish rapport within teams and with clients

What We Believe

HDR builds on diverse experiences and perspectives, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages trust and connection with clients and communities.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work daily.

Our Employee Network Groups support belonging and engagement, with executive sponsors and open participation for all employees.