Project Director in Dunstable

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Project Director to lead the client-side delivery of a major civil engineering infrastructure project, encompassing highways, utilities, and large-scale earthworks. This is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring the project is delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest technical and contractual standards.

You will act as the client\’s strategic lead, overseeing multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex stakeholder interfaces, and ensuring full compliance with NEC contract requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction across all stages of project delivery.
• Act as the client\’s authoritative figure on NEC contract management, ensuring robust commercial and contractual governance.
• Oversee design development, construction supervision, and integration of highways, utilities diversions, and earthworks packages.
• Lead risk, change control, and programme management activities across the programme.
• Ensure high standards of health, safety, sustainability, and quality.
• Manage internal client teams, consultants, and contractors to ensure aligned project outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, statutory undertakers, and other key stakeholders.
• Report progress, risks, and financial performance to senior leadership and programme boards.

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record as a Project Director or senior project leader on large-scale civil engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with NEC3/NEC4 contract forms.
• Technical expertise in highways, utilities coordination/diversions, and major earthworks.
• Experience operating in a client-side or consultancy environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong risk, programme, and commercial acumen.
• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline; Chartered status (CEng, MICE or equivalent) desirable.