Project Director in Caernarfon, Wales

Location: Gwynedd, North Wales.

Salary: Competitive

Introduction: Our client, a leading energy company, is seeking a highly experienced Project Director to lead a major plant refurbishment programme in North Wales. The role offers the opportunity to oversee a multi-stage, long-term project (2025–2035) with a total CAPEX of approximately £800m. This position provides a single point of accountability for the delivery of complex refurbishment projects while ensuring safety, ethics, and quality are maintained to the highest standard.

Purpose of Role: The Project Director will drive the delivery of the refurbishment programme on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams across internal departments and external EPC contractors, ensuring effective integration with other site and business activities, and contributing to the Senior Leadership Team's overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the refurbishment project through execution to O&M handover.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, milestones, and project controls to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and schedule.
• Maintain alignment and collaboration across technical and non-technical teams.
• Promote and embed a strong safety culture and ethical standards across the project.
• Apply contractual strategies and manage negotiations with suppliers and contractors.
• Identify, define, and manage project risks and opportunities.
• Build and manage the project team, including recruitment and allocation of competent resources.
• Prepare and present clear progress reports to the Project Steering Committee.
• Ensure O&M readiness and effective handover to operational teams.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Delivery of project milestones within H&S, financial, and contractual requirements.
• Mitigation of contractor claims and performance risks.
• Accurate financial management and reporting within budget.
• Maintenance of risk register and mitigation strategies.
• Successful integration with operational activities and internal project teams.

Dimensions of the Role:

• Management of up to seven projects contributing to the refurbishment.
• Direct management of a project team of 30–40 personnel at peak, with overall site manning exceeding 300.
• Total project CAPEX exposure ~£800m.
• Interface with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including shareholders, contractors, and engineering consultants.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of power generation or similar engineering sectors, including quality, H&S, and refurbishment requirements.
• Proven leadership skills within complex, matrix organisations.
• Significant experience managing large EPC contractors and multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage strategic risks and opportunities.
• Track record of delivering projects >£200m, ideally with hydro or brownfield experience.
• Experience with FIDIC contracts (Yellow Book) and insurance compliance (CAR/BIPD).
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently with complex interfaces.

Qualifications:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a Master's degree in Engineering.
• APMP Practitioner or equivalent.
• NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma.
• English Language Level 2.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong ownership and accountability for project outcomes.
• Motivational leadership with the ability to inspire teams.
• Resilient under pressure and constructive in conflict resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to ethical practices and the organisation's values.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished Project Director to take responsibility for a landmark refurbishment programme, delivering long-term impact in a complex and high-profile operational environment. In return the successful candidate will receive a variety of excellent benefits including competitive salary, contributory pension, possible bonus and healthcare.

Company information: At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Project Directors looking for new employment. As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.