Senior Project Manager- UK & Ireland Cement & Lime in Dunbar

Position Overview

In the UK & Ireland cement platform, this senior project leadership role will oversee the governance, development and delivery of a major capital project. The focus is on leading the project from ideation, through concept development, feasibility and investment approval phases, to execution and commissioning. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of technical, commercial, regulatory and operational risks across all stages of the project life cycle.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Coordinate, lead and manage internal stakeholders (Business and Group Functions – Technical, Legal, Procurement, Finance etc.) and external stakeholders (OEMs, designers, consultants and contractors) across the full project lifecycle.
• Ensure the early and proactive identification, assessment, mitigation and ongoing management of risk and opportunities throughout all phases of the project.

Project Concept / Feasibility / Approval Phases

• Coordinate the successful development of the project through the concept and feasibility study phase, ensuring the project is defined, justified and approved in accordance with technical standards, financial criteria and governance requirements.
• Develop clear, robust and complete technical specifications and employer requirements documentation specific to each project, in collaboration with Group functions (Legal, Procurement, Insurance and GTS).
• Define and implement the most appropriate contract and delivery strategy (EPC, EP+C, Package etc.) and develop the supporting contract documentation.
• Deploy strong analytical, commercial and project management capability to develop the final detailed investment study, including scope, capital cost estimates, programme plan, delivery strategy, project organization, resourcing plan and comprehensive risk assessments.

Project Execution Phase

• Support the successful execution of the project in accordance with approved safety, quality, cost and schedule objectives, including construction oversight, commissioning, performance validation and structured handover to operating companies.
• Define and implement a clear, transparent and effective communication and reporting plan, ensuring timely reporting to senior management and governance forums.
• Support the commercial and contractual close-out of contracts, including claim management, dispute resolution and final account settlement where required.

Key Characteristics

• A strong track record in major project delivery in the cement industry (or other relevant industrial sectors) across all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of cement and concrete production processes, raw materials, equipment and cement/concrete products, and awareness of current and future technical challenges to the cement sector.
• Operational exposure, with knowledge of the broader business, and commercial environment, to enable effective collaboration with senior stakeholders in the business and Group functions.
• Possessing a highly strategic mindset, with a proven ability to assess risk across multiple dimensions and develop pathways to success in complex and multicultural environments.
• 5+ years of people‑management experience, interpreting strategy and policy to set and deliver objectives within medium to long time frames (over 10 years).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, engaging and influencing multiple internal and external stakeholders at executive and operational levels.
• Strong written communication skills, presenting complex technical and commercial concepts clearly and concisely.
• Ability to handle a range of work-streams simultaneously, without compromising quality or governance.
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented and results‑driven, with a strong bias for delivery and accountability.
• Appetite for continual professional development, particularly in the contract/legal domain.
• Available for regular travel across UK & Ireland, and internationally as required.

Functional Competencies

• Shape our future
• Drive our impact
• Inspire our people
• Lead our industry
• Delivering at scale
• Broadening perspective
• Excellence in project management skills
• Organised
• Strong communication skills

Experience / Education

• A degree in Engineering with at least 10 years’ experience in the cement industry, primarily within the engineering domain.
• Master’s degree level an advantage.
• Experience managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Contract law training an advantage.
• Complementary financial/business qualifications an advantage.