Head of Projects - Preston/Manchester or Liverpool

We are seeking an ambitious and technically strong Head of Projects as a key succession move within the business. This is a genuine leadership position, not relabelled senior PM role. The incoming leader will take ownership of an established and successful Project Management Service with live work, strong client relationships and a capable team already in place. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will help shape AG’s direction and performance while embedding consistency across three offices. For the right person, there is a clear pathway to Management Board participation and equity.

Who this role suits

• An Associate Director ready to step into full service-line leadership for the first time.
• An experienced Director seeking a role with genuine authority, long-term equity potential and strategic influence.

What matters most isn’t your current job title - it’s your ability to lead, challenge and own outcomes.

Why this Role exists:

• AG’s Project Management Service is a core part of our business, with strong client relationships and a growing pipeline.
• This role is required to:
• Take ownership of a maturing service line and drive consistency of delivery.
• Lead the team through continued growth without dilution of standards.
• Strengthen cross-office collaboration and break down silos.
• Develop and retain talent while building future leaders within the team.
• Act as a senior voice within AG’s leadership and decision‑making structure.

This is a handover of responsibility - not a blank-sheet role.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Client Relationships and Business Development

• Ownership of achieving the Project Management Sales Target, with clear oversight of pipeline, conversion and forecasting.
• Maintain and strengthen Key Client Relationships.
• Drive growth through repeat work and client satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with AG’s Sales and Marketing Team.
• Be visible in the market through networking, events and client engagement.
• Contribute to the strategic direction and positioning of the Project Management Service.

Service Line Leadership

• Full ownership of AG’s Project Management Service Line.
• Lead, develop and retain a high‑performing project delivery team.
• Set clear expectations around delivery, quality, behaviour and accountability.
• Mentor and develop future leaders within the team.
• Drive consistency of approach across offices and teams.

Project Delivery Excellence

• Lead or oversee AG’s most strategic and complex commissions.
• Act as escalation point for delivery or performance issues.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, to specification and exceed client expectations.
• Implement and maintain robust project processes, systems and controls.
• Manage delivery risk proactively and protect service‑line reputation.

Cross Office Collaboration

• Break down silos and drive collaboration across Preston, Manchester and Liverpool Offices.
• Ensure project teams operate as one unified service, not three separate offices.
• Foster knowledge sharing and best practice across the team.
• Work collaboratively with other service line heads (Building Surveying, QS, H&S, M&DC).

Leadership & Governance

• Operate as a senior leader within the business.
• Contribute to wider business strategy and decision making.
• Report to and work closely with the Commercial Director and Management Board.
• Represent the Project Management Service at senior leadership level.

Authority & Autonomy

The Head of Projects will have:

• Authority over delivery approach within the service.
• A direct voice in strategic and operations decisions.
• The mandate to challenge internally and externally where needed.
• Clear accountability for outcomes, not just activity.

This is a role for someone comfortable making, and standing behind, difficult decisions.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a Building Surveyor‑led Project Manager, not a pure PM. The ideal candidate will have a background in Building Surveying, with the technical confidence to advise clients, challenge design teams and contractors and lead projects from a position of construction knowledge – not simply manage processes and programme.

We’re seeking an individual who:

• Could bring new sector experience.
• Has strong Project Management credentials and credibility.
• Leads with clarity, challenge and consistency.
• Is comfortable holding others to account - and being held to account.
• Thinks beyond individual projects to service‑line performance and growth.
• Is proactive, resilient and comfortable operating under pressure.
• Is motivated by building something long‑term, not just delivering work.
• Can develop people while driving performance – mentorship and accountability go hand‑in‑hand.
• Thrives on collaboration and breaking down silos across teams and offices.

Cultural Fit is Critical

At AG, we’re Built Different. We don’t do corporate BS and we won’t compromise our culture for growth. Our Core Values are:

• We deliver an outstanding service.
• We go beyond technical delivery – we understand client priorities, act proactively and focus on the outcome – not just the task.
• We’re authentic and down to earth.
• We are genuine, practical and consistent. Clients and colleagues know where they stand and feel at ease working with us.
• We communicate clearly and effectively.
• We are clear, responsive and human in how we connect. We listen, keep people informed and over‑communicate rather than fall silent.
• We build relationships.
• We invest time in understanding and supporting people. Our relationships are built on reliability, respect and shared goals.
• We stay positive and engaged.
• We bring energy, encouragement and purpose to our work. We support one another and enjoy building a rewarding career together.

We need someone who protects these values, not dilutes them.

This role is NOT for:

• Corporate types who bring politics and bureaucracy.
• People who avoid difficult conversations or shy away from accountability.
• Leaders who manage by spreadsheet rather than by people.
• Anyone who sees this as a stepping stone rather than a long‑term commitment.

Benefits

• Quality Salary, Car Allowance and Fuel Contribution.
• Performance Bonus Scheme – 12% of package.
• Equity Pathway – For the right candidate, realistic opportunity within 12‑24 months.
• Management Board – Pathway to Board Membership (typically 12 months for the right candidate).
• Working arrangements – Hybrid and flexible working across AG offices.
• Development – Training through the AG Academy, industry events and professional development support.
• Mobile Phone Contribution.
• Pension (5% employer, 5% employee) plus Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Internal recruitment referral fees: £2,500 for Associate Director / Senior Hires, £1,500 for Chartered Hires, £1,000 for Junior Hires.
• 25 days Holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service.
• Holiday Buy / Sell Scheme.
• Private Healthcare Scheme.
• Professional Fees Paid.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Paid Parking.
• Regular Team Social Events.
• Inclusive and supportive culture – One where you can actually be yourself!

About Anderton Gables

Anderton Gables is a multi‑disciplinary Building Consultancy with offices in Preston, Manchester and Liverpool. We offer Building Surveying, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Health and Safety and Measurement & Data Capture Services. We are award‑winning, nationally recognised and work with blue‑chip clients like Langtree, Mileway and Ocasa. But we’re not a national – we’re a North West business, built different. We’re big enough to handle major projects, small enough to move fast. You’ll get honest, jargon‑free leadership in an environment where you can actually be yourself.

Final Note

This is not a general senior PM role. Owns outcomes, not just delivery. Wants genuine leadership responsibility. Sees this as a long‑term role within the business. Values culture as much as career progress. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.

How to apply

Our AG People Promise is about creating an aligned, motivated, healthy and agile workplace in which you can thrive and be successful. In our search for the right talent to join our team, we focus on good people who together will be empowered to be the driver of their own progression – No stoppers and no red tape. A combination of digital tools and in‑person meetings gives us the opportunity to meet many fascinating talents and to find suitable solutions for every team. And of course, the best solution for you.