Head of Projects - DCS in London

Company Profile
CBRE is the global leader in real estate services and leverages the industry's most powerful knowledge base to meet the commercial real estate needs of its clients worldwide. Our vision is to be the preeminent, vertically integrated, globally capable real estate service firm. Globally, we employ over 70,000 employees and operate in 48 countries. We are recruiting a Head of Projects to join the team located in London.

Purpose of the Job
To manage a team of experienced project managers, having overall responsibility for project delivery, sales/service delivery and P&L. Must have extensive industry knowledge and a strong sales background. The suitable candidate will also provide leadership, management and the development of project opportunities. To ensure projects are secured and then delivered to meet time and budget requirements and to meet or exceed client expectations.

General Activities

• Ensure the safe delivery of projects through the management of risk and competence.
• Recruit and retain talent for the present delivery and future growth of projects.
• Provide leadership in identifying and specifying project opportunities.
• Deliver contractual commitments on secured projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered on all maintenance contracts.
• Complete projects on time and on budget and to the satisfaction of all parties.
• Identify, reduce and manage all risks (technical, statutory, health and safety, commercial or otherwise) associated with each and every project.
• Maximise profit through cost reductions and better buying of subcontractor services.
• Identify and win project through effective relationships.
• Deliver supportive business communication through advice, review, leadership and direct contribution to management team meetings, briefings, consultation forums, correspondence, publicity, monthly and ad hoc reporting and other applications as appropriate.
• Promote and maintain the core values of CBRE.

Business Development

• Plan and develop long term opportunities by creating a pipeline of opportunities.
• Develop and manage all bids, tenders and proposals.
• Responsible for generating and securing new sales to exceed the annual financial plan.
• Seek out opportunities to generate projects through innovation and different technologies.
• Lead the sales process through solutions development, participation in presentations and consultation meetings.

Building Relationships

• Develop effective relationships with current and potential customers through demonstrating our capability in project delivery solutions.
• Build strong relationships with supply partners through which we can bring innovation to our customers.
• Ensure effective solutions which meet quality expectations can be delivered to our customers.
• Work with operational managers to ensure the collaborative development of the projects business with effective team working and support of colleagues.

Compliance

• Make certain that their team comply with project management policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policy across all activities.
• Regularly audit and review performance.
• Carry out monthly and ad hoc project review meetings covering all aspects of Health & Safety / CDM Legislation and Requirements.
• Engage with supply partners in a manner that ensures all risk is appropriately apportioned.

Financial Management

• Development of project financial plans.
• Financial responsibility for the delivery of the annual projects plan.
• Manage the monthly P&L and ensure all costs (PMs/HoP) are fully accountable and recoverable.
• Produce monthly and ad hoc financial reports for the business.
• Leverage margins on projects by working with subcontractors and suppliers to reduce project costs.
• Ensure positive cash flow and that all debt is controlled below 60 days.
• Chair monthly project reviews with BULs, PM's, Project Support, Finance Manager, Procurement Manager, Health & Safety Manager and Commercial Manager.

People Management

• Recruit, train, appraise and manage a team of exceptional PM delivery team.
• Have people plan in place at all times.
• Ensure the Project Managers are fully trained and equipped to deliver projects to the right standards and within the CBRE policies and procedures.
• Conduct performance reviews and create individual PDPs for all direct reports.
• Responsible for recruitment and selection of all project staff. Being equally responsible for the resolution of any discipline and grievance issues that may arise.

Skills

• Commercial awareness.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Strong influencing, selling and negotiation skills.
• Present with confidence.
• Understand commercial and financial metrics.
• Internal and external customer management.
• Networking skills.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the construction market.
• Project management methodology.
• Broad understanding of construction Health and Safety law and legislation.
• Understanding of general financial terminology.

Experience

• Strong project experience in the data centre (or critical environments) industry.
• Proven experience of selling / pitching for new project work.
• Proven experience of managing project managers.
• Must have extensive industry knowledge and a strong sales background.
• Demonstrable evidence of having managed a team.
• Experience of creating, presenting and managing on bids, tenders and proposals.

Qualifications

• Recognised technical qualification in either a construction, mechanical or electrical discipline.
• Business standard of written and verbal literacy as well as above average numeracy skills.
• Recognised qualification in project management.

Aptitude

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• An excellent relationship builder.
• Ability to inspire confidence.
• Challenge status quo.
• High degree of integrity.
• Highly motivated and self-aware.
• Highly organised with attention to detail.
• Ability to network.
• Results focused.
• Innovative.
• Handle high levels of information from a wide range of sources.

Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.

Why CBRE?
When you join CBRE, you become part of a leading global organization in commercial real estate services and investment, dedicated to helping businesses and people thrive. We are a team of dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create a significant impact in the industry. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared core values: respect, integrity, service, and excellence. We highly value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you will have the opportunity to chart your own course, develop your skills, and realize your full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We are committed to understanding each candidate's unique experience, skills, and aspirations. To ensure a genuine evaluation, we do not utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions. We kindly request that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process to promote transparency and ensure a fair and equitable evaluation.