Project Director - Utilities in Bedford

Responsible for providing leadership to a diverse multi-departmental team for the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of infrastructure and property development requirements to support the new park and associated destination experiences, more fully defined as the Entertainment Resort Complex (ERC). The Project Director will be responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the enabling works, inclusive of utilities, to create a world-class destination resort, including all planning, budgeting, commercial, scheduling, strategy, design, construction, delivery, stakeholder engagement, and commissioning required to complete the project within the assigned budget, quality, schedule, safety, creative and guest experience targets.

The Project Director shall control works to avoid contract claims and disputes; minimise change orders during construction phases; effectively manage changes in the project; eliminate interface disruptions between project participants; maintain, and where possible improve the project schedule and budget; ensure quality design and construction work; emphasise "hands-on" management of field operations; establish and maintain competent and experienced team members and consultant/contractor teams; implement efficient and timely document control.

Major Responsibilities

• Work with Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) leadership and provide direction to multi-departmental project teams (Universal Creative, Finance, Operations, Procurement, Legal, External Affairs, Security, EHS, etc.) to establish scope and schedule requirements, develop budgets and financial planning, manage procurement, address SDO conditions and governmental commitments, and complete design, construction and commissioning.
• Manage the planning and execution of enabling infrastructure and non-park developments, such as mass grading, water management, environmental mitigation, utility supplies, a central energy plant, process water facility, rainwater harvesting system, as well as potentially back of house facilities. Work with statutory undertakers to align their works in accordance to Universal schedule, budget and contractor phasing.
• Ensure that all project procedures are being followed as it relates to correspondence, RFIs, directives, design and construction drawings, submittals, meeting minutes, action trackers, default lists, notices, pay applications, etc. necessary to successfully complete works to enable theme park and resort construction.
• Responsible for maintaining the overall project budget and schedule within the targeted objectives set forth during project approval.
• Provide leadership and personal development guidance to all direct reports to support growth within current positions and opportunities for additional growth and advancement within UDX.
• Responsible for the management, tracking and reporting of all the necessary project components inclusive of budget, schedule and progress of the project to upper management. Responsible to maintain accurate documentation necessary to ensure a successful project completion within the targeted budget and schedule.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established Universal policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent qualifications in Engineering, Construction, Management or a related field is required.
• SIA licensing and/or relevant executive security certifications preferred.
• Experience in construction project management, including project management, engineering, construction or commercial facilities industry.
• Experience in the delivery of infrastructure construction projects design and construction phases.
• Experience in project scheduling, estimating, bidding process and negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of construction projects delivery methods, specifically enabling infrastructure, i.e. mass grading, water management and environmental mitigation; and utilities.
• Experience working with utility statutory undertakers in the UK.
• Experience in interpretation and understanding of design and construction drawings.
• Experience in scheduling, estimating, critical path, site logistics, constructability, and contracts.
• Knowledge and experience of construction and project management processes.
• Knowledge and experience with construction finances including budgets, cash flow, and change orders.
• The Project Director will be required to direct the coordination between multiple Universal stakeholders, vendors and contractors; therefore, good communications skills are required.
• Emphasis on "hands on" management of field operations; maintain operational use of completed facilities during construction; implement efficient and timely document control.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, Planner, Power BI, Teams, Power Apps.
• Bluebeam or equivalent Portable Document Format (PDF) software. AutoCAD and Revit preferred.
• Role may require regular travel across the UK, with occasional international travel.