At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects and ensure successful delivery across regulated sectors.
- Company: Join a leading multidisciplinary engineering and infrastructure organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity to build strong client relationships and lead high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical UK infrastructure and develop your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading complex Electrical, Instrumentation and Mechanical projects.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Westlakes Recruit is currently supporting a leading multidisciplinary engineering and infrastructure organisation with the appointment of an experienced Project Director to lead the successful delivery of major, complex projects across highly regulated sectors. This is a senior leadership position, offering the opportunity to take overall accountability for the safe, commercially successful and high-quality delivery of significant Electrical, Instrumentation & Mechanical (E&I/M) projects from tender handover through to commissioning, completion and final handover.
The successful candidate will provide strategic direction across multidisciplinary project teams, while acting as a key senior representative to clients, stakeholders and supply chain partners.
As Project Director, you will hold overall accountability for project performance, providing leadership across engineering, construction, commissioning, commercial, planning, project controls, quality and HSEQ functions. You will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme, to the required quality standards and in line with contractual and commercial objectives.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic leadership and direction to large, multidisciplinary project teams.
- Taking overall accountability for HSEQ, programme, commercial performance, quality and project delivery.
- Leading project mobilisation, execution, commissioning and close-out.
- Managing project budgets, cash flow, profitability, forecasting and commercial performance.
- Developing and implementing effective commercial and contractual strategies.
- Managing contractual obligations, change control, variations, claims and dispute avoidance.
- Establishing robust project governance, reporting, programme controls and risk management processes.
- Providing senior oversight of engineering, construction, quality assurance and commissioning activities.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, regulators, senior stakeholders and supply chain partners.
- Leading governance and performance reviews, providing clear reporting to senior leadership.
- Developing high-performing teams and creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Identifying and managing strategic project risks and opportunities.
- Protecting the organisation's reputation while ensuring successful delivery against client and project objectives.
About You
We are looking for an accomplished Project Director / Senior Project Leader with a strong track record of delivering major E&I and Mechanical projects within complex, highly regulated environments. You will combine strong technical understanding with commercial awareness and strategic leadership, with the confidence to operate at senior client and board level.
You will ideally bring:
- Significant experience leading large, complex Electrical, Instrumentation and Mechanical projects from concept through to commissioning and handover.
- Experience within sectors such as Nuclear, Power, Energy, Water, Pharmaceutical or Industrial Manufacturing.
- A proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, construction, commissioning, commercial, planning, quality and project controls.
- Strong knowledge of E&I and mechanical installation, construction, testing, commissioning and engineering assurance.
- Significant experience managing major project budgets, cash flow, profitability, risk and change.
- Strong knowledge of NEC, FIDIC or similar forms of contract.
- Demonstrable experience managing client relationships, contractual matters, variations, claims and negotiations.
- A strong understanding of project governance, programme controls, reporting and performance management.
- A proven commitment to exceptional Health, Safety, Environmental and Wellbeing performance.
- Experience developing and leading high-performing teams, including mentoring and developing future leaders.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate confidently with clients, senior executives, regulators and supply chain partners.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation delivering essential infrastructure across some of the UK's most important and technically challenging projects. You will have the opportunity to:
- Lead major, high-value infrastructure projects.
- Work across highly regulated and technically complex sectors.
- Influence project strategy and delivery at senior level.
- Lead large multidisciplinary teams.
- Build long-term relationships with major clients and stakeholders.
- Contribute to the delivery of critical UK infrastructure.
- Develop your career within a growing engineering and infrastructure organisation.
Benefits
The role comes with a comprehensive package, including:
- Competitive salary
- Car allowance / salary sacrifice vehicle scheme
- Company pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Opportunity to purchase up to 5 additional days' annual leave
- Private healthcare
- Death in Service benefit
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee discounts and rewards scheme
- Recommend-a-friend scheme
- Professional training and development opportunities
Project Director in Warrington employer: Westlakes Recruit
At Westlakes Recruit, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values technical expertise and innovation in the critical power sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our flexible and hybrid working arrangements ensure a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a team that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in safety-critical environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director in Warrington
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Project Director role you’re after at Westlakes Recruit.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Westlakes Recruit a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Westlakes Recruit.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Project Director at Westlakes Recruit, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Director, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Westlakes Recruit a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Westlakes Recruit specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westlakes Recruit
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Westlakes Recruit, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Westlakes Recruit want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
