Project Director - Sandown

We are looking to strengthen our Delivery team with a Project Director based at Sandown with hybrid working available. You will report directly to the Framework Director/Operations Manager and you will have full accountability for the successful delivery of high-value, high-risk projects involving multi stakeholders, often delivered under NEC4 contracts, alliance frameworks, or joint ventures. You will drive the integration of multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex Water/Wastewater treatment facilities and related infrastructure. From early-stage design through to commissioning and handover, your leadership will be key to achieving best-in-class outcomes across programme, cost, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Project Leadership
  • Provide overall direction and strategic leadership for large-scale Design & Build Water and Wastewater projects, aligning delivery with client and regulatory requirements (e.g., Ofwat, EA, DWI).
  • Define and execute project delivery strategies, construction methodologies, and governance structures.
  • Lead integrated design and delivery teams, ensuring collaboration between engineering, construction, commercial, commissioning and environmental functions.
• Design Management & Technical Assurance
  • Oversee early-stage design development, feasibility studies, optioneering, and value engineering.
  • Ensure robust technical solutions that meet asset performance, sustainability, and regulatory requirements.
  • Champion the use of digital design tools (e.g. BIM Level 2+, Common Data Environments) and ensure design buildability.
• Construction Delivery & Programme Control
  • Drive the execution of construction works through effective planning, contractor coordination, and performance management.
  • Ensure alignment of construction activities with design intent, project milestones, and safety protocols.
  • Maintain visibility on critical path activities, commissioning schedules, and final handover to operations teams.
• Commercial & Contract Management
  • Full accountability for budget management and cost control across all project phases.
  • Administer D&B contracts (typically NEC3/NEC4) and manage risk allocation, change control, and dispute resolution.
  • Lead commercial negotiations, procurement strategy, and contractor/supplier engagement.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Client Interface
  • Act as the senior representative to clients, framework partners, statutory bodies, and key internal stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with Water Companies, Joint Venture partners, and delivery consortia.
  • Lead stakeholder forums, site tours, community engagement, and client reporting.
• General
  • Ensure your own continuous professional development by participating in external networking/conferences/associations/groups, to stay current on industry changes and innovations.
  • Maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach to work, providing open and honest feedback.
  • Undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role.
  • In all internal and external contact, present a professional and positive image of the department and MWH Treatment as well as maintaining mutually constructive, positive and beneficial relationships.
  • Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience as a Project Manager and strong experience as a Project Director or equivalent leadership role.
• Strong understanding of UK water sector frameworks (e.g., AMP7/AMP8), CDM 2015, and regulatory bodies (Ofwat, EA, DWI).
• High-level strategic thinking and the ability to deliver complex projects under time, budget, and regulatory pressure.
• Leadership of integrated design and construction teams across multidisciplinary project environments.
• Deep commercial knowledge including NEC3/NEC4 contracts, alliance models, and risk management.
• Strong technical acumen with the ability to challenge and guide design and engineering solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication at board, JV, and operational levels.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng), MICE, MIET, or equivalent professional membership.
• Experience working within or alongside major water companies (e.g., Thames, Severn Trent, Anglian, United Utilities).
• Familiarity with modern construction technologies, digital twins, and smart infrastructure.

Technical Competencies

• Contract Management
• Governance
• Budgeting and cost control
• Risk, Opportunities and issue management
• Project Planning (schedule)
• Digital Delivery
• Procurement (negotiations and management)
• Solutions development (pre-construction / design development)
• Client, stakeholder and conflict management
• Resource management
• Change management
• Quality management

Behavioural competencies

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Client Focus
• Striving for Results
• Integrity, Trust and Respect
• Coaching and Providing Feedback
• Leadership