At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major capital investment programmes in cement operations across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join Tarmac, a leader in the construction industry with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, enhanced holidays, pension schemes, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cement production while driving sustainability and growth.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in project management with strong leadership and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: UK & Ireland (with travel)
Reporting to: Operations Director – Cement
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Project Portfolio Director to lead the development and delivery of a major capital investment programme across our UK & Ireland cement operations. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping, prioritising and governing a portfolio of large-scale, technically complex projects—from early-stage concept through to execution and commissioning. Working closely with both business stakeholders and CRH Group functions, you will play a critical role in delivering key strategic initiatives that drive operational performance, sustainability and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Portfolio Leadership
- Define and prioritise the UK & Ireland cement project portfolio aligned to strategic business objectives
- Lead the central strategic projects team (including 3 Senior Project Managers)
- Ensure robust governance across all phases of the project lifecycle
- Concept, Feasibility & Approval
- Oversee development of projects from ideation through feasibility and business case approval
- Develop technical specifications, scope, budget, delivery strategies and risk mitigation plans
- Define contract strategies (EPC, EP+C, etc.) in collaboration with Legal, Procurement and Group functions
- Execution Oversight
- Provide governance and strategic oversight during delivery, commissioning and handover
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to required quality standards
- Manage interfaces with live operational environments and parallel programmes
- Stakeholder Management
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders across Operations, Technical, Legal, Finance and external partners
- Manage relationships with OEMs, contractors, consultants and technical advisors
- Establish clear reporting, communication and decision-making frameworks
You will bring a proven track record of delivering major capital projects within the cement industry or similar heavy industrial environments, alongside strong leadership capability and strategic perspective.
Key Experience & Skills:
- Extensive experience delivering complex industrial projects across full lifecycle
- Strong technical understanding of cement production processes and associated technologies
- Commercial acumen with experience in contract strategy, risk management and project governance
- Demonstrable leadership experience (10+ years managing teams and programmes)
- Ability to influence at senior and executive level across a matrix organisation
- Strong communication skills, able to present complex concepts clearly and concisely
Personal Attributes:
- Strategic thinker with strong decision-making capability
- Highly organised and results-driven, with a focus on delivery
- Comfortable operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Collaborative, credible and able to build trust across functions
- Willingness to travel across UK & Ireland and internationally as required
Why Tarmac
We don't just offer a job, we offer a career. Alongside this role, you'll have access to industry-leading rewards, development opportunities, and a culture that puts people first, including:
- Bonus scheme
- Enhanced holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
- Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
- Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc.(REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
- Training and development opportunities
Tarmac is committed to being a Forces-friendly employer. If you’re coming from a military background, we’ll support your transition and help you build a successful career with us. We’re proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to support you.
Ready to build your future? Click ‘Apply’ to get started. Please note: we sometimes close roles early due to high interest, so don’t wait too long!
Project Portfolio Director in Solihull employer: Tarmac
Tarmac is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises compliance and governance within the procurement sector. Employees benefit from a comprehensive bonus scheme, enhanced holiday entitlement, and ample training opportunities, all while working in a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development in the heart of the United Kingdom.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Portfolio Director in Solihull
✨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 Tarmac, 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 Portfolio Director at Tarmac.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Portfolio Director in Solihull
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 Tarmac
✨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!
