At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dedicated Project Management function within a growing consultancy.
- Company: Established independent construction consultancy with a strong reputation in the UK market.
- Benefits: Autonomy to shape the PM service and influence its future direction.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional excellence and continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Create and lead a significant standalone service with genuine growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong consultancy-side Project Management experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
An established and growing independent construction consultancy is looking to appoint a Director of Project Management to lead the next stage of development of its Project Management offering.
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a dedicated Project Management function within an already successful consultancy.
You will have the autonomy to shape the function - from its people and processes through to its clients, commercial strategy and future direction.
Project Management is already an established service within the business, with existing commissions, client relationships and internal delivery capability in place.
The next step is to appoint a senior specialist who can take ownership of the service and develop it into a defined, standalone offering.
The Business
The company is a leading independent construction consultancy with an established presence in the UK property and construction market.
The business provides a range of project and commercial advisory services to developers, investors, private clients and organisations across the built environment.
Projects span a diverse range of sectors, including
- Residential and mixed-use development
- High-end residential
- Commercial
- Education
- Healthcare
- Industrial and logistics
The consultancy has built its reputation around providing a highly personal, senior-led service and has developed a strong base of repeat and referred clients.
Despite continued growth, it retains the agility and entrepreneurial culture of an independent business, with senior individuals given genuine influence over its direction.
The Role
As Director of Project Management, you will take strategic and operational ownership of the PM service.
Initially, the focus will be on working with the existing team and client base to establish the structure required for the next stage of growth.
You will have genuine influence over the structure of the function, future recruitment, project delivery standards, target clients and sectors, and the wider commercial strategy.
Your remit will include
- Leading and developing the Project Management offering.
- Establishing best-practice processes, governance and reporting.
- Providing senior oversight across key PM commissions.
- Developing the existing internal Project Management capability.
- Building and developing a dedicated PM team as the service grows.
- Setting the professional and technical standards for the future PM team.
- Working closely with the wider leadership team on business strategy.
- Strengthening and expanding existing client relationships.
- Identifying and securing new Project Management opportunities.
- Developing the commercial strategy for the service.
- Helping position Project Management as a core standalone discipline within the consultancy.
This is a hands-on leadership position.
The successful individual will remain close to clients and projects while simultaneously developing the team, systems and infrastructure around them.
For the right individual, this is an opportunity to build a business within a business - with the foundations already in place but genuine freedom to shape what comes next.
About You
This opportunity is likely to suit an established Director or Associate Director from a construction consultancy background who is ready for greater ownership and the opportunity to build a service.
You will ideally bring
- Strong consultancy-side Project Management experience.
- A track record of leading complex construction projects and multidisciplinary teams.
- Chartered status or recognised professional accreditation, such as MRICS, MAPM or equivalent, reflecting the high professional and technical standards of the wider business.
- Excellent client and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience leading, mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of consultancy fee structures.
- The ability to establish best-practice PM processes, governance and reporting.
- Confidence developing existing client relationships and generating new opportunities.
- An entrepreneurial, accountable and commercially minded approach.
- A commitment to professional excellence, integrity and continuous improvement.
The business places significant value on professional standards and technical credibility.
The incoming Director will be expected to bring a similar level of professional standing and industry recognition, while setting the benchmark for the future Project Management team.
Most importantly, they are looking for someone who wants to create, lead and take ownership of something, rather than simply occupy a senior position within an established structure.
Progression
The appointment forms an important part of the consultancy's long-term growth plans.
The successful individual will be given the mandate to establish Project Management as a significant standalone service, build a specialist team and take increasing responsibility for its commercial performance and strategic direction.
As the function develops, so too will the scope, responsibility and influence of the role within the wider business.
For someone who has reached a senior level within an established consultancy but wants greater autonomy, visibility and ownership, this offers a compelling next step.
An established platform. A blank canvas for the PM function. And the autonomy to build it!
For a confidential conversation and further information on the opportunity, please get in touch with Freya at Vertical Recruitment.
Director of Project Management in Bolton employer: Vertical Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking engineering and design consultancy in Manchester, where your role as a Revit/AutoCAD Technician will be pivotal in delivering sustainable and innovative projects across the built environment. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional growth, the company offers flexible working arrangements, enhanced annual leave, and ongoing training opportunities, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance and a supportive culture that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Project Management in Bolton
✨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 Vertical Recruitment, 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 Director of Project Management at Vertical Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Project Management in Bolton
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 Vertical Recruitment
✨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!
