At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects and develop high-performance teams in complex environments.
- Company: Obsidian, a specialist firm tackling global security and resilience challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real-world impact.
- Other info: Join a rapidly growing team with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape strategic initiatives and lead teams to success in high-stakes situations.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in complex environments and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Middle East
Hours of work: 40 hours per week (some evening and weekend work may be required)
Company Overview
Obsidian is a specialist professional services firm working in complex and challenging environments around the world. We partner with governments, inter-governmental organisations and third sector actors to address security, stability and resilience challenges, delivering practical and ethical solutions with real-world impact. Our work combines deep contextual understanding with on-the-ground delivery, often in places where others cannot operate effectively. Our team draws on experience from government, military, private and third sectors, united by a strong purpose and professional integrity. We value judgement, collaboration, and delivery over hierarchy. Following a period of rapid growth, Obsidian continues to expand its geographical footprint and scale of its work, while strengthening the foundations that support our people and long term impact.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Project Director to lead one of our key client programmes. This is a high-impact leadership role, responsible for both delivery success, and strategic planning of both current activity and future strategic design of an ambitious project of national significance for our client. The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and delivery—working closely with senior stakeholders to shape long-term capability, guide strategic intent, and translate vision into actionable, result-driven activity. The role combines project leadership, operational & capability planning, and client mentorship. It is an exciting blend of both strategic thinking, and hands-on execution.
Core Responsibilities
- Leadership & Decision Support
- Lead and deliver the project success against defined objectives
- Build, lead, and develop a team of up to 30 operational specialists
- Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, trust, and collaboration
- Establish trusted relationships with senior client leadership, acting as a strategic advisor
- Provide clear, structured, and calm leadership in complex environments
- Empower and develop subordinate leaders to maximise team effectiveness
- Identify and resolve delivery challenges, escalating where appropriate
- Manage project budgets proactively and contribute to wider cost efficiency
- Collaborate with internal leadership to drive innovation, shared learning, and resource optimisation
- Operational & Capability Planning
- Co-develop with the client a multi-year capability development pathway of both capability and operational optimisation
- Align quarterly delivery plans with commercial commitments and regional objectives
- Maintain a clear and consolidated view of project risks, with effective mitigation strategies
- Identify and resolve cross-project dependencies and constraints
- Design and deliver leadership and planning training to partner teams
Requirements
Essential
- Significant experience operating at a senior or executive level in complex, high stakes environments
- Proven leadership of large teams, and resource accountability
- Proven high performance leadership of a special operations capable military grouping
- Evidenced high-quality completion of OF3 military Staff Officer Course
- Experience of delivery success in differing cultural environments
- A proven track record for delivering success through change, either as part of a change management team, or in a leadership role
- Evidenced people-focused approach
- Strong stakeholder management skills
Desirable
- Direct experience of military operational or strategic headquarters roles
- Experience working in the Middle East
- Competitive completion of UK Advanced Command & Staff Course (a client benchmarked course)
Project Director in Slough employer: Obsidian
Obsidian is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where professionals can thrive in complex and challenging contexts. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, integrity, and personal development, employees benefit from opportunities to lead impactful projects while working alongside experienced teams dedicated to making a real-world difference. The Middle East location provides a unique chance to engage with diverse cultures and contribute to national significance initiatives, all within a supportive framework that prioritises employee growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director in Slough
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Obsidian, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Obsidian and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Obsidian and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Obsidian
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Obsidian, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Obsidian.
