At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major education and healthcare projects, inspiring teams and driving performance.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 contractor with a focus on impactful projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package, performance incentives, and a clear growth pathway.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare and education projects while operating like a mini MD.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale projects over £30M and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Based in Witham, with opportunities across Essex.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A leading Tier 1 main contractor is looking for a dynamic and commercially astute Project Director to take full strategic and operational ownership of major education and healthcare projects across Essex. Based from the business’s regional hub in Witham, you will operate as a ‘mini MD’—not just delivering schemes, but setting the tone, driving performance, and representing the company externally at the highest level. The current pipeline is heavily education-focused, much of it involving complex redevelopment work related to RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) concerns. As the division pivots further into healthcare and life sciences, the incoming Project Director will play a key role in shaping that growth trajectory.
The Role: This is more than a delivery role—it requires someone with hunger, emotional intelligence, and an entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll be responsible for leading major projects from pre-construction through to handover, but also for inspiring internal teams, influencing clients, and future-proofing the region’s pipeline.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the strategic lead on major projects, typically £30M–£60M+ in value
- Take full ownership of design, commercial, and delivery performance
- Lead and mentor Senior Project Managers and wider teams
- Own early-stage project involvement: client liaison, bid input, programming, risk, design, and procurement strategy
- Run all high-level meetings, ensuring consistency, clarity, and client confidence
- Help shape and secure repeat business opportunities with key public-sector clients
- Champion best practice in digital construction, sustainability, and modern delivery techniques
- Report directly into the Regional Construction Director
Requirements:
- Proven experience delivering large new build education, healthcare, or life sciences projects over £30M
- Strong pre-construction and client-facing experience
- Track record of leading teams and building high-performance project cultures
- Able to think and act strategically while still owning operational detail
- The right motivations: looking for long-term growth, impact, and influence—not just a job
- Based within commuting distance of Witham and willing to lead projects across Essex
What You’ll Get:
- The platform to operate like a regional MD without the red tape
- A clear and rewarding long-term pathway within a Tier 1 business
- Direct influence on the direction of the business as it expands into healthcare/life sciences
- A supportive and ambitious leadership team committed to investing in talent
- Competitive executive package with performance incentives
Project Director employer: Henry Martin Group
Contact Detail:
Henry Martin Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and healthcare sectors. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can give you insights into the company culture and upcoming projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company's recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to RAAC concerns. Understanding their current challenges and successes will help you speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and mentor others, as this is crucial for the Project Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking and operational detail management. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've balanced these aspects in past projects, showcasing your entrepreneurial mindset and emotional intelligence.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in delivering large-scale education and healthcare projects. Emphasise your strategic leadership skills and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your entrepreneurial mindset and emotional intelligence align with the company's goals, particularly in relation to their focus on education and healthcare.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on specific projects where you acted as a strategic lead. Highlight your involvement in pre-construction phases, client liaison, and your ability to drive performance and inspire teams.
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Research current trends in digital construction, sustainability, and modern delivery techniques. Mention these in your application to show that you are not only aware of industry challenges but also ready to champion best practices.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henry Martin Group
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Project Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led major projects, focusing on your decision-making process and the impact of your strategies on project outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring teams and fostering high-performance cultures. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project delivery or team dynamics.
✨Understand the Sector Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges in education and healthcare construction, particularly regarding RAAC concerns. Showing that you are informed about industry issues will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle them head-on.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
Since client-facing experience is crucial, prepare for questions about how you've managed client relationships in the past. Think of examples where you influenced clients positively or secured repeat business, as this will be key to your success in the role.