Senior Project Director: Complex Infra & Structures Leader

Overview

Project Director — Kilnbridge Locations: South West or London. Multiple vacancies. Kilnbridge is the UK's leading structures specialist, delivering complex engineering, construction and infrastructure projects. We cover the full lifecycle of a structure—from design to build, adaptation, repair and protection—with four specialist operational businesses forming One Kilnbridge. We are purpose-led, focused on a sustainable and resilient future, and committed to safety, quality and technical excellence. As an employee-owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you want to make a meaningful impact, grow your career and join a team that values expertise and forward thinking, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of allocated projects, ensuring excellence across safety, quality, programme, commercial performance and people leadership.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams—Senior Project Managers, Project Managers and Construction Managers—providing clarity, coaching and support to drive consistent, high-quality performance.
• Oversee engineering leadership, ensuring buildability, temporary works, value engineering and construction methodologies are robust, feasible and clearly communicated.
• Maintain strong project planning and control processes, ensuring monitoring and reporting systems inform proactive decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Build trusted, collaborative relationships with clients, consultants and stakeholders, ensuring project expectations are understood, shared and achieved.
• Partner with pre-construction during tenders, contributing technical insights, planning, methodology and resourcing to shape compelling, competitive bids.
• Represent Kilnbridge at client interviews and presentations, acting as a visible ambassador for our capabilities, culture and values.
• Lead and support Commercial Teams, ensuring robust financial management, accurate record keeping and effective contract administration to maximise project outcomes.
• Ensure all project documentation is clear, compliant and supports commercial success, risk management and strong governance.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor and develop team members, conducting effective performance reviews and maintaining strong workforce and succession planning.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across teams and the wider business.

What You'll Need

• Extensive experience directing complex, technical and high‑value construction projects, with a strong track record leading large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep knowledge of modern construction methods, engineering principles, temporary works, safety regulations and industry best practice.
• Strong commercial acumen including forecasting, budgeting, cost control and the ability to influence financial outcomes.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder-management skills, with the confidence to engage at senior levels internally and externally.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships, resolve issues proactively and maintain calm, clear decision-making under pressure.
• Highly organised and analytical, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to right-first-time delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership capability—motivating teams, giving effective feedback, driving performance and supporting the development and mentoring of others.
• Ability to foster open communication, collaborative problem-solving, recognition of success and respectful working relationships.
• Assertiveness to intervene when unsafe or non-compliant work is observed, maintaining high standards of safety and engineering practice.
• Skilled in delegating effectively while empowering others and providing appropriate guidance.
• Proficient using MS Office with the ability to produce high-quality reporting and analysis.
• A relevant professional membership is desirable; a valid CSCS card is required.
• Alignment with Kilnbridge's values: Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence.

Why Kilnbridge?

With major projects delivered across the UK—from national infrastructure to clean energy, buildings and complex structural works—Kilnbridge offers the opportunity to work on schemes that leave a lasting legacy. We have a UK office network from London to Runcorn to Lisburn and are trusted to deliver in highly regulated and demanding environments, working with customers to support project delivery across the country. We are proud to be an employee-owned organisation where every colleague has a real stake in our success and a voice in how we grow. Our culture is shaped by four core values—Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence—that guide how we work and support one another daily. Kilnbridge has been recognised on the Financial Times and Statista Best UK Employers lists.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Kilnbridge is an equal opportunities employer and a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme. We are committed to a diverse workplace where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. We welcome discussions about flexible working and encourage applicants who may require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy or marital status.