Equans is looking for an Deputy Head of Projects and Lifecycle to join our team at QAH Portsmouth. This is a full-time, permanent role. On offer is a competitive salary, company car or allowance and benefits package. The Deputy Head of Projects is responsible for supporting the Head of Projects & Estates in the strategic leadership, planning, delivery, and governance of the organisation's capital investment (CAPEX), lifecycle replacement, and small works programmes. The role provides operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring that all works are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards while supporting organisational objectives, compliance requirements, and customer expectations. The post holder will deputise for the Head of Projects & Estates as required and play a key role in managing project teams, stakeholder engagement, contractor performance, financial governance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What will you deliver?
- Lead the planning and delivery of CAPEX, lifecycle and small works programmes, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget and aligned to business objectives.
- Provide leadership and direction to project teams, driving high performance, continuous improvement, workforce development and succession planning.
- Manage the full project lifecycle, including business cases, procurement, design, construction, commissioning, governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
- Oversee lifecycle investment programmes, ensuring asset performance, reliability, compliance and value for money are maximised.
- Lead the delivery of small works projects, ensuring customer requirements are met and service levels are achieved.
- Manage project budgets, forecasting, cost control and commercial governance, ensuring effective use of CAPEX funding.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, health & safety and environmental requirements, acting as the client representative where required.
- Build strong relationships with clients, contractors, consultants and senior stakeholders, providing clear reporting and effective communication throughout project delivery.
What can we offer you?
- 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- Access to our growing employee networks
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Who are you?
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Construction, Building Surveying, Project Management, Estates Management, or related discipline.
- Professional qualification such as: APMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, Chartered status (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng, or equivalent), IOSH/NEBOSH qualification.
- Significant experience managing complex CAPEX projects.
- Proven experience delivering lifecycle asset replacement programmes.
- Experience managing small works portfolios within a facilities management, estates, NHS, healthcare, local government, or commercial environment.
- Significant experience managing CDM requirements successfully.
- Strong financial and commercial management experience.
- Experience managing contractors and consultant teams.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
- Experience developing business cases and investment proposals.
- Experience working within a busy acute hospital environment.
- Experience working on PFI contracts.
- Standard DBS is required for this position.
- For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK.
Who are we?
In the UK & Ireland, Equans is a provider of sustainable facilities management and regeneration, and cutting-edge energy and digital services. Our 15,000 employees combine these activities to deliver decarbonisation across the built environment and help businesses, communities, public sector organisations and government to accelerate the transition to a low carbon, resilient world. Globally, Equans is a world leader in the energy and services sector with operations in 20 countries, 90,000 employees working on 5 continents and a turnover of 19.2 billion euros in 2024. Equans is a subsidiary of the Bouygues group.
We are Disability Confident Level 2 members, and we offer the Guaranteed Interview Scheme as part of this commitment. Where feasible, if a candidate applies under the Disability Confident Scheme and they meet all of the essential criteria, we will offer an interview.
Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check or security vetting, as noted in the role requirements. A criminal record will not necessarily be a barrier to obtaining a position with us.
As part of our recruitment process, EQUANS uses StaffVetting, our trusted third-party provider, to support the completion of employee background checks. StaffVetting delivers professional screening services in a friendly, efficient, and customer-focused way, helping us ensure the right checks are completed from the start of the application journey.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Company: EQUANS
Salary: £72,500 to £77,500 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Portsmouth, PORTSMOUTH
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 6 Nov 2026
Closing date: 6 Dec 2026
Deputy Head of Projects and Lifecycle in Portsmouth employer: Equans Group
Equans is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture in the heart of Westminster, London. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide a comprehensive benefits package, including paid annual leave, gym membership discounts, and opportunities for professional growth through training and qualifications. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values high standards and fosters a safe, hygienic environment for all.
