Project Director in Potters Bar

Join the Power Operations team at JSM Group Services Ltd., a leading provider of integrated utility infrastructure solutions.

Our combination of end-to-end technical expertise, decades of industry experience, and unlimited fresh thinking makes us a trusted partner for the implementation of next-generation connectivity in energy and communications.

Our focus is on building for tomorrow by delivering every day for customers right across the UK, Europe and beyond.

JSM Group envisions a workplace where we are not only the leading force in the utility sector in the UK, but also a beacon of exemplary workplace culture and social responsibility.

SCOPE OF ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Project Director to take strategic and operational ownership of a portfolio of projects across the Data Centre, Renewable and Industrial & Commercial new connections and infrastructure energy markets.

This role is a key member of the operational leadership team, accountable for excellence across cost, safety, quality, programme and client satisfaction, while leading multi-disciplinary teams from design through to construction, commissioning and final handover.

The Project Director sits within the Power Operations business unit, reporting to the Managing Director.

They will hold end-to-end accountability for their own projects, leading project-specific teams of Contract Managers, Project Managers and site teams.

• Project Deliver & Commercial Accountability
• Lead the successful and safe delivery of complex engineering and energy projects across the UK, from design development through to construction, commissioning and final handover.
• Hold full accountability of operational budgets, monthly forecasting, cost control and margin performance for all power projects.
• Lead monthly project reviews, assessing safety, financial performance and progress against business targets, and alignment with contractual programme commitments.
• Produce internal monthly business reports and present performance updates to the executive management team.
• Work with the Commercial Director, Project Director and Engineering Director to manage risk, project change and financial exposure.
• Ensure alignment between design intent, construction methodology, and commercial targets.
• Identify and proactively manage engineering risk, embedding risk management into delivery processes.
• Work closely with the pre-construction commercial teams to drive business growth in line with JSM’s strategic objectives.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance delivery outcomes.
• People Leadership & Stakeholder Management
• Lead, manage, and develop the Project teams, including setting objectives, managing performance, and the creation of structured development pathways.
• Ensure appropriate resource planning, structure and capability are in place to meet business needs.
• Provide senior technical authority across civil and electrical engineering (up to 400k V), acting as the primary point of contact for delivery matters with internal teams, external stakeholders and clients.
• Build trusted relationships with our clients, resolve escalations and drive positive customer satisfaction.
• Represent JSM at client meetings, industry working groups and support trade exhibition events.
• Work collaboratively with internal support functions to ensure alignment and prioritisation of initiatives and improvement workstreams.
• Deputise, when requested, and undertake additional tasks as assigned by the Managing Director, Power.
• Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement
• Ensure project teams adhere to JSM SHEQ procedures, the Distribution Safety Rules and CDM regulations.
• Oversee subcontractor and supply chain performance, ensuring delivery quality, commercial compliance and safety standards.
• Work with the Group SHEQ team on the development and implementation of SHEQ strategy and improvement plans.
• Integrate lessons learned, audit findings and safety insights into delivery processes.
• Support safety investigations by providing technical input when required.
• HOW YOU´LL SUCCEED
• Create a culture of delivery accountability – define clear delivery standards, set expectations for project teams and subcontractors, and ensure consistent outcomes across engineering, commercial, SHEQ and delivery.
• Set technical direction and provide engineering authority – establish HV delivery standards (11k V–400k V), guide engineering decision-making, and advance the business area’s technical capability in line with industry expectations.
• Build strategic relationships and shape the organisational narrative – maintain strong relationships with clients, network operators, regulators and internal leaders, and represent JSM externally with confidence and clarity.
• Lead leaders and build high-performing delivery teams – develop successors, coach Contract Managers and Project Managers, and build a leadership team that is engaged, capable and accountable for delivery outcomes.
• Drive commercial strategy and protect margin performance – apply strong commercial judgement, manage P&L and forecasting, ensure contract compliance (NEC/JCT/FIDIC), and make strategic decisions that protect margin and commercial position.
• Champion safety culture across the business area – model safety leadership, ensure compliance with JSM SHEQ values, CDM regulations and the Distribution Safety Rules, and drive continuous improvement in safety behaviours and outcomes.
• Lead change, innovation and continuous improvement – identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost and enhance delivery outcomes, keeping the business area ahead of industry standards and technology adoption.
• WHAT IT TAKES

Essential

• Extensive experience in safely delivering HV infrastructure and new connection projects in the UK from 11k V to 132k V.
• Strong construction management experience, leading multidisciplinary delivery teams on complex, multi-million-pound projects.
• Technically strong with engineering leadership experience, proven risk identification and management capability, and the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Strong commercial acumen with P&L responsibility and contract management expertise, including in-depth knowledge of NEC, JCT and FIDIC contracts.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify root causes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and present confidently.
• Demonstrable track record of self-motivation and inspiring change in an evolving industry with increased utilisation of technology.
• Flexible and pragmatic approach, able to work independently while also being a team player.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to site as required.

Qualifications

• A minimum of HNC in Electrical or Civil Engineering (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Experience with transmission connected projects (132k V and above).

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

We truly value your work, time, and skills! In return, we will offer you a competitive salary and some additional benefits to support your professional growth, including:

• Participation in mentoring and coaching programmes
• 28 days of holiday (excluding bank holidays)
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Hybrid working pattern
• Continuous training and development, in both technical and business skills

Equal Opportunity Statement JSMGroup Services Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.

Our ethos is to respect and value people’s differences, and to help everyone achieve more at work as well as in their personal lives so that they feel proud of the part they play in our success.

We believe that all decisions about people at work should be based on the individual’s abilities, skills, performance and behaviour and our business requirements.

JSM Group operates a zero-tolerance policy to any form of discrimination, abuse or harassment.

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