At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex infrastructure projects and ensure successful delivery in regulated environments.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on impactful infrastructure programmes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, professional development support, and a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in nationally significant projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Project to lead the successful delivery of complex infrastructure programmes within highly regulated environments. Acting as the single point of accountability for project outcomes, you will oversee a partner-led delivery organisation, ensuring strategic alignment, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across all phases of delivery. This is a senior leadership position requiring exceptional governance capability, stakeholder management, and the ability to lead high-performing, cross-functional teams in technically complex environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Governance - Set Direction & Maintain Control
- Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks, escalation pathways, and decision-making structures.
- Hold delivery partners accountable for cost, schedule, risk, and performance outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including nuclear, environmental, and site licence obligations.
- Maintain integrity of business cases, change control processes, and scope governance.
- Own project performance reporting, data accuracy, and governance forums.
- Collaborate with programme leadership on partner selection, commercial strategy, and task order management.
- Assurance - Drive Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety-first culture through visible leadership and regular site engagement.
- Lead assurance activities across client teams, delivery partners, and regulatory stakeholders.
- Ensure adherence to design, construction, quality, and HSE standards.
- Monitor contractor performance through KPIs, audits, and milestone reviews.
- Oversee accurate reporting of project cost, schedule, and risk performance.
- Proactively manage project risks in line with ALARP principles and regulatory expectations.
- Delivery Leadership - Enable Performance & Capability
- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing intelligent client team.
- Foster collaboration across delivery partners and remove barriers to successful delivery.
- Ensure effective implementation of organisational standards, governance, and policies.
- Align infrastructure delivery activities with wider programme milestones and strategic priorities.
- Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing across projects.
- Support programme-wide stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.
About You
You will be an experienced project leader with a strong track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure programmes in regulated sectors.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure projects within regulated environments such as nuclear, defence, energy, rail, or advanced manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of project governance, assurance, and project controls.
- Demonstrated experience managing delivery partners, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong knowledge of NEC4 contracts (PSC/ECC) and contract administration tools such as CEMAR.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in high-profile, technically complex programmes.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant and technically complex infrastructure programmes.
- Strong career development and progression opportunities.
- Collaborative, delivery-focused environment.
- Competitive benefits package including: 25 days annual leave, buy and sell leave scheme, professional development support.
Security Clearance Requirements
Due to the nature of this role, successful candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a minimum Security Check (SC) clearance without caveats. Applicants must be UK nationals or, where applicable, dual nationals from approved non-ITAR countries in line with project security requirements.
Head of Projects in Derby employer: westlakesrecruit
As a leading employer in the infrastructure sector, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Head of Projects to lead significant programmes within a collaborative and delivery-focused environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in strong career development opportunities, a competitive benefits package, and a culture that champions safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. Join us to make a meaningful impact on nationally significant projects while enjoying a supportive workplace that values your expertise and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Projects in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Projects role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their governance frameworks and compliance requirements, so you can showcase how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led high-performing teams and delivered complex projects. This will help you demonstrate your leadership capabilities and project management expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Projects in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects and your understanding of project governance to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Projects role. Share examples of how you've led high-performing teams and managed delivery partners in regulated environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! In your application, mention specific instances where you've built and developed teams or fostered collaboration across different stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to lead in technically complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at westlakesrecruit
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in governance frameworks and decision-making structures. Be ready to discuss how you've established these in past projects, especially in regulated environments. This will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead high-performing teams and manage cross-functional collaboration. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while keeping everyone aligned and motivated.
✨Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on relevant regulations, especially those related to nuclear, environmental, and safety standards. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this in the new position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience in stakeholder management and be ready to share strategies you've used to engage and influence key players. Highlight any successful communication strategies that led to project success, as this is crucial for the role.
