Project Director - Sandown

We are looking to strengthen our Delivery team with a Project Director based at Sandown with hybrid working available.

You will report directly to the Framework Director/Operations Manager and you will have full accountability for the successful delivery of high-value, high-risk projects involving multi stakeholders, often delivered under NEC4 contracts, alliance frameworks, or joint ventures. You will drive the integration of multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex Water/Wastewater treatment facilities and related infrastructure. From early-stage design through to commissioning and handover, your leadership will be key to achieving best-in-class outcomes across programme, cost, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities will include: Strategic Project Leadership

• Provide overall direction and strategic leadership for large-scale Design & Build Water and Wastewater projects, aligning delivery with client and regulatory requirements (e.g., Ofwat, EA, DWI).
• Define and execute project delivery strategies, construction methodologies, and governance structures.
• Lead integrated design and delivery teams, ensuring collaboration between engineering, construction, commercial, commissioning and environmental functions.

Design Management & Technical Assurance

• Oversee early-stage design development, feasibility studies, optioneering, and value engineering.
• Ensure robust technical solutions that meet asset performance, sustainability, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion the use of digital design tools (e.g. BIM Level 2+, Common Data Environments) and ensure design buildability.

Construction Delivery & Programme Control

• Drive the execution of construction works through effective planning, contractor coordination, and performance management.
• Ensure alignment of construction activities with design intent, project milestones, and safety protocols.
• Maintain visibility on critical path activities, commissioning schedules, and final handover to operations teams.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Full accountability for budget management and cost control across all project phases.
• Administer D&B contracts (typically NEC3/NEC4) and manage risk allocation, change control, and dispute resolution.
• Lead commercial negotiations, procurement strategy, and contractor/supplier engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Client Interface

• Act as the senior representative to clients, framework partners, statutory bodies, and key internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Water Companies, Joint Venture partners, and delivery consortia.
• Lead stakeholder forums, site tours, community engagement, and client reporting.

General

• Ensure your own continuous professional development by participating in external networking/conferences/associations/groups, to stay current on industry changes and innovations.
• Maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach to work, providing open and honest feedback.
• Undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role.
• In all internal and external contact, present a professional and positive image of the department and MWH Treatment as well as maintaining mutually constructive, positive and beneficial relationships.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience as a Project Manager and strong experience as a Project Director or equivalent leadership role.
• Strong understanding of UK water sector frameworks (e.g., AMP7/AMP8), CDM 2015, and regulatory bodies (Ofwat, EA, DWI).
• High-level strategic thinking and the ability to deliver complex projects under time, budget, and regulatory pressure.
• Leadership of integrated design and construction teams across multidisciplinary project environments.
• Deep commercial knowledge including NEC3/NEC4 contracts, alliance models, and risk management.
• Strong technical acumen with the ability to challenge and guide design and engineering solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication at board, JV, and operational levels.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng), MICE, MIET, or equivalent professional membership.
• Experience working within or alongside major water companies (e.g., Thames, Severn Trent, Anglian, United Utilities).
• Familiarity with modern construction technologies, digital twins, and smart infrastructure.

Technical Competencies

• Expert1. Contract Management
• Expert2. Governance
• Expert3. Budgeting and cost control
• Expert4. Risk, Opportunities and issue management
• Expert5. Project Planning (schedule)
• Expert6. Digital Delivery
• Expert7. Procurement (negotiations and management)
• Expert8. Solutions development (pre-construction / design development)
• Expert9. Client, stakeholder and conflict management
• Expert10. Resource management
• Expert11. Change management
• Expert12. Quality management

Behavioural competencies

• Expert1. Communication
• Expert2. Collaboration
• Expert3. Client Focus
• Expert4. Striving for Results
• Expert5. Integrity, Trust and Respect
• Expert6. Coaching and Providing Feedback
• Expert7. Leadership