At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead site delivery for a major utilities and process piping project in Wales.
- Company: Designer Group, a top international mechanical and electrical provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that values safety, trust, respect, and delivering excellence.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovative projects in a high-pressure, rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Senior project leadership experience in mechanical or process piping environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Designer Group is a leading international mechanical and electrical provider specialising in the design, supply and installation of complex M&E services. Headquartered in Dublin, we employ more than 1,000 people across the Group and deliver projects across Ireland, the UK, Europe and international markets.
Our continued growth is driven by our people, our technical capability and our ability to deliver safely, efficiently and to the highest standards in demanding project environments. Everything we do is underpinned by our values: Safe | Trust | Respect | Challenge | Deliver.
We are now seeking an experienced Project Director to lead site delivery on Project Camelot, a major utilities and process piping project at an existing chemical facility in Wales.
Project Camelot involves the extension of an existing Ecolab chemical facility producing resin used in the cleaning of pharmaceutical vessels and equipment. While the facility supports the wider pharmaceutical supply chain, this is a chemical/process facility project, not a pharmaceutical project.
Designer Group’s scope includes approximately 14,000m of piping, split across clean utilities and black utilities. The package includes clean utility pipework, black utility pipework, inline equipment, valve installation, minor equipment, pressure testing, flushing, chemical cleaning, passivation, testing, commissioning, insulation and cladding.
The programme is aggressive and will require strong site leadership, disciplined planning, subcontractor control, commercial focus and a right-first-time approach to quality. The delivery strategy relies heavily on offsite manufacture, prefabrication, modular pipework, accurate progress tracking and early focus on system completion and turnover.
The Project Director will take senior responsibility for the safe, commercial and operational delivery of Designer Group’s scope on Project Camelot. This is a hands-on, site-based leadership role suited to a senior project leader with strong experience in mechanical, process piping, industrial, chemical, energy, pharmaceutical construction or complex M&E environments.
Key responsibilities
- Take overall site leadership responsibility for Designer Group’s delivery on Project Camelot.
- Lead the project team across construction, engineering, planning, commercial, QA/QC, safety, commissioning and turnover.
- Maintain clear control of programme, cost, safety, quality, risk and stakeholder performance.
- Drive the planned delivery sequence of bulk zonal install, sectional test/handover, system drops and system completion.
- Ensure site activities are properly planned, resourced, coordinated and controlled.
- Identify constraints early and ensure they are resolved, escalated or commercially protected where required.
OSM, fabrication and subcontractor management
- Oversee the offsite manufacture, prefabrication and pipe spool/module strategy.
- Ensure OSM, fabrication, logistics and site installation are coordinated against the construction programme.
- Manage subcontractor performance against agreed scope, safety, quality, productivity and programme requirements.
- Support procurement and delivery of piping, valves, supports, inline equipment and specialist subcontract packages.
- Maintain visibility of fabrication progress, NDT, tagging, material readiness and delivery sequencing.
Programme, commercial and stakeholder control
- Work closely with planning to maintain a realistic and properly resourced construction programme.
- Track progress against installation output, manpower, milestones and system completion dates.
- Work with the Commercial Manager and QS team to protect Designer Group’s commercial position.
- Ensure variations, delays, access issues, design issues and scope changes are identified, recorded and progressed.
- Maintain strong project records, correspondence, meeting minutes and site evidence.
- Represent Designer Group with IPS, Ecolab, the PSCS, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
Required experience and qualifications
- Senior project leadership experience within mechanical, process piping, utilities, industrial, energy, chemical, pharmaceutical construction or complex M&E contracting.
- Experience delivering large-scale, site-based construction projects with significant subcontractor and supply chain involvement.
- Strong understanding of piping installation, fabrication, testing, commissioning, system completion and turnover.
- Experience working on live operational sites, ideally chemical, process, industrial manufacturing, energy or life sciences facilities.
- Strong commercial and contractual awareness, including change control, variations, cost recovery and subcontractor management.
- Experience managing aggressive programmes, constrained sites and complex stakeholder interfaces.
- OSM, modularisation or prefabricated pipework experience would be highly advantageous.
- Mechanical Engineering, Building Services, Process Engineering, Construction Management or related qualification preferred.
- Trade background with significant senior project leadership experience will also be considered.
Person specification
- A strong, visible site leader with the confidence to take ownership of a high-pressure project.
- Technically credible in mechanical, piping or process-led construction environments.
- Commercially sharp and disciplined around records, notices and change control.
- Highly organised, practical and focused on programme certainty.
- Clear and confident with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
- Able to challenge poor performance while maintaining strong working relationships.
- Focused on safety, quality, commercial performance and right-first-time delivery.
Director - Project Manager employer: Designer Group
Designer Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety, trust, and respect are at the core of our values. As a Project Director on Project Camelot in Wales, you will lead a talented team in delivering complex mechanical and electrical projects, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive culture that prioritises innovation and excellence. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the utilities and process piping sector while enjoying the benefits of working with a leading international provider.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the specific project you'll be working on. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in Project Camelot and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Project Director. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Director role. Highlight your experience in mechanical and process piping, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs for Project Camelot!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Let us know how you embody our values of safety, trust, and respect.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Project Director, strong leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led teams on complex projects. We want to hear about your approach to managing subcontractors and ensuring quality delivery under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Designer Group family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Designer Group
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Project Camelot and Designer Group's operations. Understand the specifics of the project, including the scope of work, challenges, and the importance of safety and quality. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to lead effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Project Director, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to site leadership, team management, and how you handle high-pressure situations. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully led teams in complex environments.
✨Highlight Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to emphasise your technical background in mechanical, process piping, or industrial construction. Discuss specific projects where you've applied your knowledge of piping installation, testing, and commissioning. This will show that you're not just a manager but also technically credible.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Given the commercial focus of the role, be ready to talk about your experience with cost control, change management, and subcontractor performance. Bring examples of how you've protected your company's commercial interests in previous projects, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
