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- Tasks: Lead complex tunnelling and civil engineering projects across the UK.
- Company: Join a major UK contractor known for specialist civil engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a strong safety culture.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while leading diverse teams in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience and a degree in Civil Engineering required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-value projects (£20m+) with a focus on innovation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Project Director – Tunnelling & Civil Engineering
Location: UK-wide projects (with travel as required)
Red Sky Personnel is recruiting on behalf of a major UK contractor to appoint an experienced Project Director. This is a key leadership role delivering complex tunnelling and civils schemes including microtunnelling, shaft sinking, pipe jacking, and TBM works. The successful candidate will oversee performance across programme, cost, safety, and quality, ensuring smooth delivery from mobilisation through to handover. You will take full responsibility for project delivery across multiple sites, working closely with commercial, engineering, and site teams to ensure technical excellence, contractual compliance, and high client satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Lead multi-disciplinary teams across all stages of complex tunnelling and civils works
- Maintain full control over programme, safety, cost, quality, and resourcing
- Implement best practice across TBM operations, microtunnelling, shaft sinking, and pipe jacking
- Technical & Operational Oversight
- Oversee design reviews and ensure integrity of temporary works and construction methodology
- Resolve delays and issues promptly, ensuring high standards are maintained on site
- Commercial & Contract Management
- Full accountability for NEC and similar contract performance, including variations and claims
- Work with commercial teams to manage subcontractors, final accounts, and margin improvement
- Team Leadership
- Build and manage project teams; support career development and succession planning
- Promote a positive and accountable team culture
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Uphold a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with RAMS and project-specific procedures
- Lead on audits, site inspections, and continuous improvement
- Stakeholder & Client Management
- Act as senior point of contact for clients, JV partners, and key stakeholders
- Represent the business in meetings, reviews, and industry forums
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Extensive leadership experience on major civils/tunnelling projects (£20m+)
- Strong knowledge of TBMs, pipe jacking, shaft sinking, and microtunnelling
- Proven commercial experience under NEC or similar forms of contract
- Effective team leader with excellent communication skills
- HND/HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering
- CSCS Black Card and SMSTS (or equivalent)
Desirable:
- Chartered status or working towards (CEng, MICE, etc.)
- Experience with JV or alliance models
- Knowledge of temporary works, dewatering, and ground treatment
- Competence with digital construction and reporting tools
This is a standout opportunity to join a respected UK business at the forefront of specialist civil engineering delivery.
To apply or find out more, contact Rachel Marrey at Red Sky Personnel: JBRP1_UKTJ
Contracts Director employer: Red Sky Personnel
Contact Detail:
Red Sky Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the tunnelling and civil engineering sectors. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and employers. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and current projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and methodologies in tunnelling and civil engineering. Being knowledgeable about digital construction tools and innovative practices can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully delivered complex projects and resolved issues on-site.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and achievements. Understanding their work and values will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive leadership experience in major civils and tunnelling projects. Emphasise your knowledge of TBMs, pipe jacking, and microtunnelling, as well as your commercial experience under NEC contracts.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your project delivery skills and your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Mention specific examples of how you've maintained safety, quality, and cost control in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as HND/HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering, along with your CSCS Black Card and SMSTS certification. If you are working towards chartered status, be sure to mention that too.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, demonstrate your effective communication skills by providing examples of how you've managed stakeholders and clients in past projects. This is crucial for the role of Contracts Director.
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Sky Personnel
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Project Director, your leadership experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams on major civils or tunnelling projects, highlighting your ability to manage diverse groups and drive them towards common goals.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the technical aspects of tunnelling and civil engineering, especially TBMs, pipe jacking, and microtunnelling. Be ready to explain your understanding of these processes and how you've applied best practices in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Since you'll be accountable for contract performance, brush up on NEC contracts and similar frameworks. Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing variations, claims, and subcontractor relationships, as well as how you’ve improved margins in past projects.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to talk about how you've upheld safety standards on site, your experience with RAMS, and any audits or inspections you've led. Show that you prioritise a strong safety culture and continuous improvement.
