Project Director - Rail, Roadways and Resort Development in Bedford

This position provides leadership to a multi-disciplinary team responsible for the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of infrastructure and property development projects and associated resort complex (ERC). The Project Director oversees all aspects of enabling public roadways, bridges, and construction logistics across the ERC, ensuring successful project delivery aligned with budget, schedule, quality, safety, creative, and guest experience objectives.

Responsibilities include directing project strategy, planning, commercial management, stakeholder coordination, design integration, construction execution, and commissioning activities. The role also focuses on minimising project risks, claims, disputes, change orders, and interface disruptions while maintaining strong control of schedule, budget, quality, and field operations. Success in this role requires hands-on leadership, effective collaboration across project participants, and the development of high-performing internal, consultant, and contractor teams supported by efficient document control processes.

Major Responsibilities

• Work with Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) leadership and provide direction to multi-departmental project teams including 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.
• Oversee overall project safety, obtain final acceptance for a contractor’s submitted safety plan, and compliance with Environment Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
• Manage the planning and execution of enabling infrastructure and developments such as public roadways and bridges. Manage and responsible for the overarching site logistics across ERC, in accordance with CDM and statutory and SDO requirements. Manage the planning and integration of construction works pertaining to third party development across the ERC, including rail station and supporting developments.
• Ensure that all project procedures are being followed as it relates to correspondence, RFI’s, 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.
• 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 or equivalent qualifications in Engineering, Construction, Management or a related field is required.
• Experience of 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 project delivery methods for enabling infrastructure, including roadways, rail development, and roadway structures.
• Experience working with third-party developers and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience with bespoke contracts, development agreements, and contract administration.
• Ability to interpret design and construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience in scheduling, estimating, critical path management, site logistics, and constructability reviews.
• Strong understanding of construction and project management processes across all project phases.
• Experience managing project finances, including budgets, cash flow, cost control, and change orders.
• Effective leadership, communication, and coordination skills across multiple stakeholders, vendors, consultants, and contractors.
• Hands-on approach to field operations, maintaining operational continuity during construction and ensuring efficient 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.
• SIA licensing and/or relevant executive security certifications preferred.

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation.