At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major water sector projects and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovative water solutions and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tailored benefits, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water sector while leading high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project delivery within the water sector and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Take our vision into the future. You might know us for the great work we do across a wide variety of projects. We’re proud to say it’s driven by the diversity of thought, expertise and experience of our people. When you join us, you’ll be part of a genuinely collaborative environment where every voice is valued and treated equally.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Director to join our expanding Project Delivery Practice, supporting delivery of our growth ambitions in the Water sector. You will lead the delivery of major and complex programmes and projects for our water sector clients, while playing a key role in strengthening client relationships, growing our capability, and ensuring consistently high standards of delivery and commercial performance.
Your role
- Provide strategic leadership and overall accountability for the successful delivery of major water sector programmes and projects.
- Set and drive delivery strategies aligned with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and business priorities.
- Act as the senior client interface, building trusted relationships at executive level.
- Lead commercial performance, including revenue, margin, forecasting, and contract compliance (e.g. NEC).
- Oversee programme governance, ensuring effective management of risk, cost, schedule, and quality.
- Drive business growth through client engagement, framework development, and work winning.
- Lead, inspire, and develop high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary teams.
- Champion a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement across delivery.
About you
- Proven experience as a Project Director (or equivalent) delivering major infrastructure projects within the water sector.
- Strong track record across large‑scale capital programmes (e.g. treatment works, networks, reservoirs).
- Collaborative, credible leader with a focus on client outcomes and delivery excellence.
- Highly developed stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing at senior and executive levels.
- Strong commercial acumen, including financial management, risk management, and contract delivery.
- Demonstrated leadership of high‑performing teams within complex, regulated environments.
- In‑depth understanding of NEC contracts and programme/project governance.
- Degree qualified in a relevant discipline and professionally chartered (e.g. ICE, APM, RICS).
Rewards & benefits
- Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices.
- Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise.
- Combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.
- Be rewarded.
Security clearance
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.
Equal opportunities and inclusivity
As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria.
Project Director - Water in London employer: SNC-Lavalin
Join a forward-thinking company that champions diversity and collaboration, making it an exceptional employer for a Project Director in the Water sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and a flexible working culture, you will thrive in an environment that values your contributions and supports your professional development. Our commitment to inclusivity and safety ensures that every team member can excel while making a meaningful impact on major infrastructure projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director - Water in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like SNC-Lavalin, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Director - Water at SNC-Lavalin.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director - Water in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at SNC-Lavalin
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
