At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Sizewell C Nuclear New Build Project to successful completion.
- Company: Join DEF UK, a leader in nuclear fire safety systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, pension, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Bristol-based with travel opportunities and long-term project security until 2035.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on a flagship nuclear infrastructure project.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in major engineering projects, ideally in regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
As part of Astute's People Search retained service, Astute's Nuclear Team is exclusively partnering with DEF UK, a leading international fire safety systems provider operating within the nuclear sector, to recruit a Project Director for its Bristol-based operation supporting the Sizewell C Nuclear New Build Project. The strategically important Project Director role comes with a highly competitive salary, bonus, pension, and benefits package, alongside the opportunity to lead a flagship nuclear infrastructure project through to completion. If you're a Project Director and are looking to work for an organization that combines entrepreneurial agility with the backing of a global business delivering critical nuclear safety systems, then submit your CV to apply today.
Responsibilities and duties of the Project Director role
- Lead and manage the mobilization, execution, and successful delivery of the Sizewell C Project from contract award through to completion.
- Undertake a full contract review and establish robust project controls aligned with NEC3 contractual requirements.
- Develop project programmes, resource plans, mobilization strategies, and recruitment plans where required.
- Implement and manage the Contract Quality Assurance Plan (CQAP) and associated quality processes.
- Establish project policies, procedures, and governance structures to ensure optimum project performance.
- Lead all aspects of project delivery including engineering, procurement, manufacturing, installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
- Ensure timely delivery of all project documentation, equipment, services, and handover requirements.
- Maintain project risk registers and develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Drive commercial performance through effective management of NEC3 contractual mechanisms including early warnings, compensation events, and target cost management.
- Provide clear and concise reporting to senior stakeholders on project progress, risks, opportunities, and financial performance.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable nuclear regulations, quality standards, and company management systems.
- Lead Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality performance, promoting a strong nuclear safety culture throughout the project lifecycle.
- Lead, develop and optimize the project team, ensuring high performance and effective integration of personnel across multiple disciplines.
- Ensure delivery of the project within agreed scope, programme, quality requirements, and budget targets.
Professional qualifications
- Minimum 15 years' experience delivering major engineering or construction projects within highly regulated industries such as nuclear, power generation, oil & gas, or similar sectors.
- Demonstrable experience operating at Project Director level with full accountability for projects valued at £20m+ throughout the complete project lifecycle.
- Extensive NEC3 ECC contract management experience, ideally with Option C target cost contracts.
- Formal Project Management qualification such as PMP or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of CDM 2015 regulations.
- Proven experience delivering fire detection, suppression, or integrated life safety systems on major projects.
- Detailed knowledge of nuclear codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
- IOSH qualification as a minimum, with NEBOSH preferred.
- Strong commercial, contractual and financial management capability with ownership of project P&L and cost control.
Personal skills
- A highly effective leader capable of managing and developing multidisciplinary project teams.
- Commercially astute with excellent financial and contractual awareness.
- An exceptional communicator who can engage confidently with customers, regulators, subcontractors, and senior stakeholders.
- Proactive in identifying risks and implementing practical mitigation strategies.
- Organized and strategic, with the ability to balance long-term project objectives with day-to-day operational requirements.
- Comfortable working within complex, highly regulated environments where quality and safety are paramount.
- Experienced in working across multicultural teams and multiple locations.
- Passionate about driving a positive safety culture and delivering excellence in project execution.
Salary and benefits of the Project Director role
- Highly competitive basic salary.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Company pension scheme.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to lead one of the UK's most significant nuclear infrastructure projects.
- Long-term project security through to 2035.
- Bristol-based office with frequent travel to the Sizewell C site and occasional travel to Paris.
- Opportunity to work within a global organization specializing in critical fire safety systems for the nuclear sector.
Project Director in Bristol employer: Astute People
DEF UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where entrepreneurial spirit meets the stability of a global leader in nuclear fire safety systems. Employees benefit from a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, alongside opportunities for professional growth while leading significant projects like the Sizewell C Nuclear New Build. With a strong emphasis on safety culture and team development, working in Bristol provides a unique chance to contribute to critical infrastructure that shapes the future of energy in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director in Bristol
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Astute People, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Director at Astute People.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Astute People
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
