Project Director - Substations

HDR; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Project Director to lead large-scale multidisciplinary teams on mission-critical projects. This role involves managing project performance, ensuring technical excellence, and driving business development activities. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high voltage electrical projects and possess strong leadership skills. Join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration and inclusion, where your contributions will help shape the future of engineering and project management. If you are passionate about making a positive impact and thrive in a collaborative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high voltage electrical projects.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in business development and client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage large-scale multidisciplinary teams on critical projects.
• Ensure technical compliance and quality of deliverables.
• Develop and maintain client relationships for business growth.

Skills

Project Management

Technical Design

Leadership

Business Development

Client Relationship Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

BEng or MSc in Electrical Engineering

Chartered Status in chosen discipline

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Design Analysis Software

Job description

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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: here

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 someone who is 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, being able to establish excellent working rapport within the team, business, and with clients, with the ability to work under pressure, handle a varied workload and keep to tight deadlines whilst maintaining the highest level of technical excellence.

Primary Objective

To manage effectively large-scale multidisciplinary teams on substations for mission-critical projects, carry out sales and business development activities actively to support business growth and to ensure projects are delivered technically correct and on time, whilst maintaining the target profit level. Promote cross-selling amongst the 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 that fall under the Lead Consultant role.

It will be the Project Director who is ultimately accountable to ensure all disciplines falling under the role of Lead Consultant are fully coordinated, technically correct, to the required level of quality and commercially managed to ensure the project costs and revenue drive the profit targets for the project.

Financial Performance Reviews

• Accountable on a monthly basis for the Project Job Costing Reports.
• Accountable on a monthly basis for the reported Profit and Sales Figure.
• Provide a quarterly written board report to be presented by others.
• Accountable for the Input/Review/Action the following:

Sales Management/Business Development

• To maintain regular contact with Clients and build/foster relationships.
• Entertain Clients and relevant colleagues.
• Agree fee basis and monthly drawdown schedules.
• Agree deliverables directly with the Client and any policy decisions.
• Lead presentations for new projects and coordinate all other disciplines.
• Project Director for all third-party, (non-specialist), disciplines.
• Carry out all invoicing for all services or disciplines offered on time.
• Pursue all outstanding sales ledger debtors (60 days maximum target).
• Progress all sales opportunities.
• Ensure that all projects deliver the required profit target.
• Deal with any formal complaints directly.
• Carry out after-sales and Client reviews.
• Develop sales contacts to expand the marketing base of Practice.
• Develop new areas of activities for the Practice.
• Assist in Marketing and Corporate events.
• Assist other Directors in Sales & Marketing as required.
• Pursue sales leads generated by Business Development Dept.

General Duties

• Manage and control resources on projects.
• Ensure technical compliance and quality production of all deliverables.
• Sign off all reports and deliverables.
• Attend Client meetings/policy meetings.
• Ensure all deadlines are met.
• Liaise with all team members to ensure that all projects deliver minimum profit target.
• Record any changes of scope, which may affect fee basis and advise KAH.
• Post contract completion and end of debtor’s reviews with client.
• To ensure that all project design responsibilities are effectively undertaken.
• Assist other Directors in Project Delivery as required.
• Structure training and succession of the teams to enhance performance and ensure future engineering expertise in Practice.
• Support the Management Team in running the Practice and assist in Quality Management Systems execution.
• Support the management of the practice taking on duties as agreed with the Office Principal and Tech Media Telecoms (TMT) Operational Directors.
• Undertake engineering activities on an as-needed basis and where appropriate act as Design Team Leader.
• Ensure No Claims are made on PI, ensure all contract documents are diligently checked.
• Subject to approval - interview and recruit new team members.
• Control standard in-house technical documents and guides.
• Carry out third-party design audits as necessary.
• Support to other directors in all fields including and not limited to; sales, resource control, problem-solving, design advice.
• Review and sign off all direct reports’ timecards and expenses.
• Review direct reports’ utilization vs target.
• Authorize Holiday requests of direct reports.
• Maintain register and carry out technical audits on projects as required.
• Ensure Quality Management System ISO 9001 and 14001.

Skills and Experience

• BEng, MSc or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Building Services or relevant subject.
• Minimum 10 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity up to 765kV preferred.
• Experience of monitoring contract staff or third-party appointments would be desirable.
• Skills in project managing ongoing jobs.
• Experience in the same or similar position is desired.
• Competency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• The ability to project a positive and professional attitude at all times.
• Incorporated Status in chosen discipline preferred and ongoing pursuit of Chartered status and business qualifications if not already achieved.
• Good knowledge and use of appropriate project and design analysis software.
• Able to establish rapport and good working relationships within the project team and Clients.
• Strong leadership and people management skills and experience.
• To be able to work as part of a team and collaboratively and cooperatively.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 15 years related experience
• A minimum 7 years project management experience
• MS Office and MS Project experience is required (Access experience would be a plus)
• Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.