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- Tasks: Lead and oversee large-scale utility infrastructure projects across rural communities.
- Company: Family-owned utility infrastructure business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, travel and accommodation allowances, pension, and healthcare.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing rural communities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction in a dynamic and impactful leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in utilities and proven track record in large-scale project delivery.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
A rare and senior leadership opportunity has arisen for an experienced Director of Construction to take full operational responsibility for a regional utility infrastructure business spanning Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire. Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as part of the Executive Team, this role will lead the company’s in-house construction division, overseeing end-to-end infrastructure delivery across rural counties. This is a high-impact, execution-driven role responsible for ensuring construction programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and at pace while maintaining strict capital discipline and operational performance. You will lead a sizeable direct labour workforce and senior leadership team, translating corporate strategy into clear, deliverable construction programmes.
The Business: Our client is a family owned utility infrastructure business delivering large-scale network construction across rural communities. With significant capital investment and ambitious growth plans, the organisation is scaling its construction capability to deliver complex utility infrastructure programmes at pace while maintaining operational discipline, cost control and delivery certainty. This role will play a critical part in shaping how the construction division evolves as the business grows.
The Role: As Construction Director, you will take full accountability for the division, overseeing a team of circa 150 staff from management to their direct labour force. Key responsibilities include:
- Construction Strategy & Delivery: Develop and implement construction strategies aligned with company growth and capital deployment plans. Ensure delivery models are practical, scalable and capable of operating at pace. Identify opportunities to strengthen the long-term value of the construction operation.
- Leadership & Organisational Development: Provide visible leadership across geographically dispersed construction teams. Lead and develop senior operational leadership including Heads of Construction and Delivery. Build scalable organisational structures as delivery volumes increase.
- Programme Performance & Control: Establish clear programme governance, delivery KPIs and operational reporting. Maintain transparent dashboards tracking progress, cost and risk across delivery programmes. Drive a culture of accountability, pace and execution across construction teams.
- Capital Management & Cost Discipline: Maintain strong capital governance across construction delivery. Manage cost efficiency, resource utilisation, fleet performance and delivery productivity. Work closely with the CEO, CFO and commercial finance teams on CapEx deployment and forecasting.
- Operational Improvement: Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and delivery predictability. Optimise operational systems, processes and delivery structures.
- Executive Leadership: Contribute to strategic decision making as part of the Executive Team. Provide the Board with clear insight on delivery performance, risk and investment requirements. Support strategic planning including scaling delivery capacity as market conditions evolve.
Measures of Success: Performance in the role will be measured against clear delivery and operational outcomes, including:
- Infrastructure delivery achieved on time and within agreed budgets.
- Delivery teams operating at 20–30% margin against benchmark rate cards.
- Reliable and predictable programme forecasting.
- Strong capital efficiency and cost-per-customer metrics.
- Effective utilisation of labour, plant and contractor resources.
- Excellent safety and quality performance.
- Clear and trusted reporting to the Executive Team and Board.
The Ideal Candidate: We are seeking a senior infrastructure leader with strong operational and commercial capability who can drive large-scale delivery programmes. You will bring:
- Senior leadership experience within a utilities contractor – Water, Power, Gas, Solar or Telecoms.
- Proven track record delivering multi-site infrastructure programmes at scale.
- Strong understanding of CapEx management, construction cost control and delivery governance.
- Experience building and leading large operational teams.
- Ability to operate confidently at Executive and Board level.
- Eye for detail – strong analytical capability and operational systems thinking.
- Passion for the countryside and rural communities.
Salary and Package: Salary: £120k – £150k. Bonus: up to 30%. Travel allowance. Accommodation allowance. Pension, Vitality Healthcare.
Interested? Apply now to discuss this opportunity in confidence and more detail.
Construction Director employer: GirlingJones
Contact Detail:
GirlingJones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Construction Director. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident and natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Construction Director role. Highlight your experience in leading large teams and delivering infrastructure projects, especially in utilities. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for rural communities and how your leadership style can drive our construction division forward. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage capital efficiently and deliver projects on time. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to back up your claims.
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 this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GirlingJones
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Construction Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of capital management and cost control. Brush up on key metrics related to construction delivery, such as margin rates and cost-per-customer metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership across diverse teams. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large operational teams and developing senior leaders. Think about how you can convey your ability to inspire and drive accountability within your teams.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the utility infrastructure sector, especially in rural areas like Somerset and Dorset. Research the company’s growth plans and be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their objectives. Showing that you understand the market will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As part of the Executive Team, you'll need to contribute to high-level strategic decisions. Think about your past experiences where you've influenced strategy or improved operational performance. Be ready to discuss how you can help shape the future of the construction division.