On behalf of FCDO, we are looking for X3 Construction Project Directors (Inside IR35) for a contract until March 2028. This is a hybrid working role (up to three days per week office based - London or Milton Keynes. Please note, additional international travel is required).
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK's security, defend our values, reduce poverty, and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
Job Purpose
The Estates Directorate (ED), is a fundamental pillar in the FCDO’s corporate and operational structure. Our purpose is to provide and maintain the global platform, ensuring it is secure, flexible and provides value for money to the UK taxpayer. ED enables One HMG policy delivery, and ensures we keep our people, buildings, and information safe, both in the UK and overseas.
The Project Director leads the delivery of estates projects, ensuring the effective use of significant public funds to enhance operational capability overseas.
The role is accountable for safeguarding staff and assets, managing risks, and upholding the organisation’s reputation through robust project governance. By engaging stakeholders and driving strategic objectives, the Project Director ensures outcomes that support safety, security, and organisational success.
DV Clearance is required for this role. FCDO is happy to accept and start candidates with active SC Clearance pending DV.
Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of a substantial portfolio of capital projects through the full project lifecycle, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, programme, budget, and governance frameworks.
- Resolve complex and inter-related project challenges by analysing incomplete information, assessing/ managing risks, and developing effective mitigation strategies.
- Exercise delegated authority to make significant decisions on project strategy, design, procurement, and resource allocation, escalating issues beyond established risk criteria and appetite as appropriate.
- Engage and influence a wide range of senior internal and external stakeholders, representing the organisation in formal forums and securing alignment to project objectives.
- Appoint, manage and oversee the performance of external consultants, contractors, and assigned staff/ internal bodies, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and value for public funds.
Lead criteria
- Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) delivering complex capital construction projects at a senior level within the built environment sector.
- Practical understanding of construction techniques, procurement routes (including NEC contracts), sustainability, and health and safety to assure project quality and compliance.
- Strong knowledge of project lifecycle management, public sector governance, commercial and contractual management, and risk and change control in complex operational settings.
- Proven ability to interpret and apply construction, procurement, and governance frameworks, including in novel or high-risk overseas contexts.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and representing organisations in formal forums.
- Demonstratable ability to solve complex, multi-faceted problems, analyse risks, and develop effective mitigation strategies under pressure.
- Experience managing large project portfolios (£150-200m), including oversight of consultants, contractors, resource allocation, and line management of staff.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment, working to tight deadlines.
- Experience of having delivered construction projects overseas or in a remote location.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, FCDO guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Veteran and Military Spouse Access
FCDO guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
