Project Director

Hackney, Greater London

£150000 - £200000/annum List

Interesting yet complicated scope - 60+ Megawatt & Complex Ground Engineering

Construction Value of £250 Million +

The opportunity
We are representing a leading technology main contractor with an enviable track record of delivering complex, fast-paced construction projects within the mission-critical sector.

Having delivered alongside some of the world's largest hyperscale data centre operators, the group has secured this project through established relationships, proven performance and a collaborative approach to managing risk.

The focus is on getting the fundamentals right, working constructively with the client and supply chain, and delivering a successful project without losing sight of the commercial realities.

This is a major appointment on a technically demanding project in Central / East London, north of the river. We are looking for an experienced No. 1 who understands what it takes to lead a large-scale data centre project for a Tier 1 main contractor.

This is not a role for someone who has simply worked around data centres. You will need to have led a major project from start to finish, understand the pressures of the critical path and have the judgement to balance program, commercial protection, client expectations and site delivery.

The Project

Sector: Hyperscale data centre / mission-critical infrastructure
Capacity: 60+ MW, with potential for further expansion
Construction value: In excess of £250 million, with the CSA package alone representing a significant element of the overall investment
Structural steel: Extensive package, with the building exceeding 60 metres in height
Programme: Approximately 100 weeks
Groundworks: Complex piling, dewatering, muck shifting, ground engineering and substantial concrete substructure works
Location: Central / East London, with convenient access from Waterloo and Canary Wharf

Who we are looking for

The essential requirement is a proven track record of managing a data centre project as the No. 1, from inception through to completion, with a project value of at least £90 million.

Beyond the CV, we are looking for someone who understands the realities of delivering at this level.

You will be comfortable making decisions, protecting the contract and identifying risk before it becomes an issue. You will know when to challenge, when to negotiate and how to bring a site team, client and supply chain together to achieve the right outcome.

You should be commercially astute without being unnecessarily adversarial, confident without needing to dominate every conversation, and hands-on enough to earn the respect of the people delivering the work.

This appointment requires someone who can take ownership, add value throughout the project lifecycle and build relationships that stand up under pressure.

The non-negotiables:

A completed or demonstrably delivered hyperscale data centre project as No. 1, valued at £90 million or more.
The ability to lead a complex project from start to finish.
Strong commercial judgement and a thorough understanding of programme, procurement, risk and contractual obligations.
A collaborative leadership style, with the confidence to make difficult decisions when required.
A willingness to be based on site in Central / East London.

The contractor

The business has a UK technology-sector turnover in excess of £1 billion and a strong reputation for profitability, delivery and client relationships.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established operation where senior people are expected to contribute, influence decisions and take ownership. You will not simply be another name on an organization chart.

For the right individual, there is genuine scope for career progression, financial reward and the opportunity to strengthen an already established position in the mission-critical market.

Role

Expected to add value and drive process throughout all stages
Prepared to be hands on and work with real people, building relationships
Confident to make decisions and protect the contract
Calm approach and able to plan and see risk before it occurs
Work with the supply chain in a NON aggressive approach

The package

The package will reflect the experience and capability of the successful candidate.

Basic salary: Typically £150,000–£160,000, with flexibility up to £200,000 for an exceptional candidate.
Car allowance: 10%, plus business fuel.
Bonus: Potentially 15–25% of annual salary, subject to performance and agreed targets.
Benefits: Pension and private medical cover.
Accommodation: Weekday accommodation provided at no cost for candidates who live outside a reasonable commuting distance.

The upper end of the salary range is reserved for candidates who can demonstrate the level of experience, delivery record and leadership capability this project demands.

Confidential discussion

If you have personally led a major hyperscale data centre project as No. 1 and are interested in discussing a significant London appointment, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Please send your latest CV in Word format to: Tim Clark

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