Director, Property Development & Construction in Bedford

Responsible for the effective management and delivery of Property Development construction projects, including enabling works, infrastructure, utilities, roads, structures, and buildings supporting the development of a world-class destination resort. Oversees construction coordination throughout the project lifecycle, including design integration, construction documentation, contractor interfaces, field operations, schedule and budget management, and on-site issue resolution. This role focuses on minimising project risks, change orders, claims, and operational disruptions while ensuring quality design and construction standards are achieved. Responsibilities also include maintaining effective document control processes, supporting integrated project delivery, and establishing and leading teams to support safe, timely, and cost-effective project execution through proactive field leadership and coordination across project stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities

• Construction/Implementation: Responsible for the qualification, procurement, selection, contracting and performance of all contractors, vendors, manufacturers, fabricators, etc. required to complete the facility development of the project. Ensure that all project procedures are being followed as it relates to correspondence, RFI’s, directives, shop drawings, submittals, meeting minutes, punch lists, snag lists, notices, pay applications, etc. necessary to successfully implement the new facilities. Hands on ‘on-site’ coordination of contractors and responsible for developing suitable methodologies. Oversee overall project safety, obtain final acceptance for a contractor’s submitted safety plan, and compliance with Environment Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
• Design Development: Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the design, in accordance with the Universal vision and ensure it meets the initial objectives set forth during the concept development. Responsible for the qualification, procurement, selection, contracting and performance of any and all engineering and technical designers hired to complete the design phase of the project. Responsible for the successful completion of the design within the budget and schedule established for the project. Support integrated project delivery by partnering closely with design, operational, facilities, and construction teams to ensure constructability, operational readiness, and alignment across project workstreams.
• Project Reporting: Responsible for the management, tracking and reporting of project components, including on-site quality reporting, project progress, and maintaining documentation necessary to support successful project completion. Lead construction sequencing, phasing, and schedule coordination to support critical milestones and opening commitments while ensuring alignment across infrastructure, utilities, attractions, technology systems, and operational teams. Proactively identify, mitigate, and resolve construction, operational, interface, and schedule risks that may impact project delivery timelines or opening readiness.
• Budget/Scheduling: Responsible for maintaining the overall project budget and schedule within the objectives established during project approval. Ensure compliance with applicable UK construction regulations, permitting requirements, CDM regulations, environmental standards, and safety requirements throughout all phases of project delivery. 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and/or Construction Management or a related field is required. Master’s degree in Engineering and/or Construction Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Relevant construction/project management experience.
• Previous experience with turnkey projects, specifically within a large infrastructure industry is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires significant knowledge and experience of infrastructure, engineering and construction.
• In addition, familiarity with all the requirements of construction management procedures is required.
• Experience with UK construction contracting methodologies, including NEC contracts and collaborative delivery models, is preferred.
• Experience managing fast-track construction programs with aggressive schedules and multiple concurrent workstreams preferred.
• Experience coordinating with public agencies, utility providers, local authorities, and external stakeholders on large-scale development projects preferred.
• Must be a well-organised self-starter with strong communication, interpersonal, leadership, and team collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently, lead teams, coordinate work, prioritise tasks, and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates ability to plan and organise projects, successfully influence teams, negotiate with vendors and contractors, and understand and enforce safety requirements and cautions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and presentations.
• Role will require regular travel across the UK, with occasional international travel.