At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex civil engineering projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
- Company: Leading specialist engineering contractor with a strong project pipeline in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for influence, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in the industry with experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Company Leading Specialist Engineering Contractor, designing and delivering complex high profile projects in London, as a principle contractor. Work involves complex infrastructure and civil engineering, innovative temporary works solutions, piling, groundworks, bulk excavation, RC sub and superstructure and cut and carve. Projects range in value from £10 million to £80 million.
The Role
Reporting directly to the board, you will take ownership of a portfolio of work. Leading your teams to develop, plan and deliver the optimum methodology — ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. With a strong focus on risk, opportunity and operational efficiency, maximising commercial return whilst developing and maintaining strong client relationships.
About You
- Extensive experience managing complex and technical projects with a strong track record of running multi-disciplinary teams within a self-delivery environment.
- Conversant in a broad range of construction methodologies, practices and innovations in complex urban Civil Engineering, Temporary Works, Groundworks, Basements, Reinforced Concrete, Sub/Superstructure, Cut and Carve sector.
- You proactively develop collaborative relationships with clients on and off site.
- You're a hands-on, high-impact leader that knows the detail but equally sees the big picture and provides your teams with clarity of what’s expected and empowers them to deliver against the plan.
- Strong commercial acumen including forecasting, budgeting, cost control and the ability to influence financial outcomes.
- Comfortable taking a strong visible lead, driving performance and outcomes.
- You enjoy logistically complex projects that stretch the thinking.
- An engineering background is desirable but not essential.
- You may have many years experience in this role already or you may be ready to take a step up.
- At least 15 years experience in the industry.
Why this role
This role will give you the opportunity to engage early with clients working as a principle contractor which means you have real opportunity to influence the plan, method and engineering solution. You may already be working for a specialist engineering contractor or maybe you’re working for a major infrastructure/construction business and are keen for more visible influence and impact - as a key part of the senior leadership team, this role will contribute to the implementation of overall business strategy.
This business runs an integrated model. Each project is made up of a range of in-house activities managed under a single profit centre, supported by one team. This structure allows you to leverage in-house expertise, maintaining greater control over quality, safety, innovation and productivity across projects. This business has a strong pipeline of work.
Contracts Director - Specialist Contractor (Civil Engineering) employer: Zinc Ten
As a leading specialist engineering contractor in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, working on high-profile projects that challenge their skills and creativity while ensuring a strong focus on safety and operational efficiency. Join us to be part of a team where your contributions directly influence project outcomes and client relationships, all within a supportive environment that values your expertise and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Director - Specialist Contractor (Civil Engineering)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about making those connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to walk in knowing their recent work and how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident and natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Director - Specialist Contractor (Civil Engineering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Contracts Director role. Highlight your extensive experience in managing complex projects and leading multi-disciplinary teams, as this is what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention your strong commercial acumen and how you’ve successfully delivered projects on time and within budget.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see how you lead! In your application, share examples of how you empower your teams and develop collaborative relationships with clients. This will help us understand your hands-on, high-impact leadership approach.
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 hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zinc Ten
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's recent projects and their methodologies. Understand the complexities involved in civil engineering and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their portfolio. This shows you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Contracts Director, your leadership will be key. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and how you've empowered them to achieve project goals. Be specific about the outcomes and how your approach made a difference.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced financial outcomes in past projects. This role requires a strong commercial focus, so showcasing your skills here will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex logistical situations. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or adapt plans on the fly. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
