Assistant Project Director - Earthwork and Utilities in Bedford

As an Assistant Project Director, you will lead the successful delivery of a multi-million-pound portfolio of enabling and public utilities projects supporting the development of the park and associated Entertainment Resort Complex (ERC). This role is responsible for overseeing the full project lifecycle, including planning, scope development, contracting, construction, commissioning, and closeout, while ensuring projects align with Property Development strategies, goals, budgets, and schedules.

The Assistant Project Director will collaborate closely with consultants, contractors, statutory undertakers, facilities teams, utilities partners, and other Universal stakeholders to support the development of theme park infrastructure and select back of house facilities. Success in this role requires strong leadership, organisation, communication, problem-solving, scheduling, critical path management, and financial oversight skills to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

• Responsible for the completion of project tasks and activities in accordance with project scope, budget and schedule.
• Review submittals from the contractor(s) and statutory undertakers for all close-out documentation including design, construction drawings, as-designed or as-built drawings, warranties, lien waivers, etc.
• Manage the planning and execution of certain infrastructure and non-park developments, such as 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.
• Oversee overall project safety, obtain final acceptance for a contractor’s submitted safety plan, and compliance with Environment Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
• Responsible for the financial accounting of assigned projects.
• Responsible for completing financial reports of assigned projects.
• Responsible for project schedule and budget; ensure quality design and construction work while properly managing the construction work in the field; emphasise “hands on” management of field operations; maintain operational use of completed facilities during construction; implement efficient and timely document control.
• Prepare documentation identifying assigned projects best practices and lessons learned to improve Universal project delivery processes.
• Prepare project documents in accordance with Universal document control.
• Ensure that all regulatory approvals are completed including permit applications, notice of commencement, SDO endorsements, certificates, wayleaves, etc.
• Responsible for completing project procurement and supporting statutory undertakers with the same, in accordance with project schedule, budgets, scope and SDO requirements.
• Responsible for final evaluations and recommendations for bids and proposals.
• Preparation of capital funding requests including project justification and a project budget.
• 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.

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• SIA licensing and/or relevant executive security certifications preferred.
• Experience in construction project management, in 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 delivery methods for enabling infrastructure, including mass grading, water management, environmental mitigation, and utilities.
• Experience coordinating with UK utility statutory undertakers.
• Ability to interpret design and construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience in scheduling, estimating, critical path management, site logistics, constructability reviews, and contract administration.
• Understanding of construction and project management processes throughout all project phases.
• Experience managing project finances, including budgets, cash flow, cost control, and change orders.
• Strong communication and coordination skills with the ability to work effectively across Universal stakeholders, vendors, consultants, and contractors.
• Hands-on approach to field operations, maintaining operational continuity during construction and ensuring effective 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.