Project / Bid Director

The Construction Public division of a Major Top 5 Construction Contractor are looking for two Project Directors to lead and manage the full life cycle of significant value of PFI/PPP or framework projects through the bidding and negotiation stage to design and construction.

The successful applicant must have a proven track record in the involvement, at a senior level, in bidding of projects as well as the delivery. Previous experience of working Joint Ventures as well as experience in Life Sciences and Defence sectors is desirable. Ideally but not essentially they will also have PFI experience and have worked across a number of sectors and procurement routes. They must be flexible on location as projects could be anywhere in England or Scotland and being prepared to work in other European countries would be preferable. Project size will range from £100m to £300m.

• The Project Director will have delegated authority from the project JV board to manage the company’s activities in seeking to successfully execute the project.
• Submit to the project board and obtain agreement for detailed development of the overall bid strategy and the budget for the project activities.
• Devise and implement the agreed strategy within the approved budget.
• Report regularly to the project board on progress, key activities and expenditure against budget.
• Chair regular meetings of the project board and the project steering group.
• Take responsibility for all Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental management, meeting all Balance Scorecard measures where required.
• Participate in developing, maintaining and executing a Health, Safety, Environment and sustainability project action plan.
• Take a positive and highly visible lead in developing relationships with the Client and lead negotiations with the Client project team.
• Where applicable establish and manage the full bid team.
• Develop good working relationships with each shareholder/stakeholder of the project company and co‑ordinate shareholder support for the project company.
• Submit to and obtain project board approval for the commercial and financial content of bids to be submitted to the Client.
• Act as a role model in relation to the SIP culture and behaviours.
• Lead the delivery of profit expectation.
• Effectively manage resources to achieve project time‑scale and budget.
• Contribute to wider business strategy where appropriate.
• Creation and management of the SIP brand including creation of quality facilities, positive PR, positive working culture and attitude of staff.
• Management of effective, efficient and cohesive project teams with a shared sense of purpose through team building sessions, development of individuals PDPs and use of the Skanska Code of Conduct.
• Lead and inspire the project team ensuring all employees have a current performance review and learning plan, that succession plans are in place and that the team is positively engaged.

Reporting to the Programme Director, Operations Director or Project Board of the bidding consortium up to financial close. Post financial close to the Directors of the project company, JV or Framework.

Looking for candidates with experience in leading bids in the following sectors: Health (NHS experience), Custodial (Prisons), Defence (MOD).

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent).
• Likely to hold a further professional qualification.
• Possible Member of Institute of Project Managers.
• Probably a Builder, Civil Engineer or Mechanical/Electrical professional with the management, communication and personal skills to integrate all members of the team to ensure successful completion.
• A good leader, commercially and financially astute and with the ability to provide positive leadership and clear direction to a wide‑ranging team.
• Track record of success in delivering complex major projects.
• Proven track record of taking at least two major projects through to successful completion.
• Knowledge and experience of the commercial and legal structure of PFI/PPP or Framework.
• Experience of successful working in or with the public sector and, if possible, the sector to which the project relates. Ex‑public sector personnel will need to demonstrate that they will create the right relationship with the Client project team without past experiences alienating them.
• High quality management and people skills with the ability to command respect from a diverse team.