Project Director

As part of Astute's People Search retained service, Astute's Nuclear Team is exclusively partnering with DEF UK, a leading international fire safety systems provider operating within the nuclear sector, to recruit a Project Director for its Bristol-based operation supporting the Sizewell C Nuclear New Build Project.

The strategically important Project Director role comes with a highly competitive salary, bonus, pension, and benefits package, alongside the opportunity to lead a flagship nuclear infrastructure project through to completion.
If you're a Project Director and are looking to work for an organization that combines entrepreneurial agility with the backing of a global business delivering critical nuclear safety systems, then submit your CV to apply today.
Responsibilities and duties of the Project Director role
Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team you will:

• Lead and manage the mobilization, execution, and successful delivery of the Sizewell C Project from contract award through to completion.
• Undertake a full contract review and establish robust project controls aligned with NEC3 contractual requirements.
• Develop project programmes, resource plans, mobilization strategies, and recruitment plans where required.
• Implement and manage the Contract Quality Assurance Plan (CQAP) and associated quality processes.
• Establish project policies, procedures, and governance structures to ensure optimum project performance.
• Lead all aspects of project delivery including engineering, procurement, manufacturing, installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Ensure timely delivery of all project documentation, equipment, services, and handover requirements.
• Maintain project risk registers and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Drive commercial performance through effective management of NEC3 contractual mechanisms including early warnings, compensation events, and target cost management.
• Provide clear and concise reporting to senior stakeholders on project progress, risks, opportunities, and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable nuclear regulations, quality standards, and company management systems.
• Lead Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality performance, promoting a strong nuclear safety culture throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead, develop and optimize the project team, ensuring high performance and effective integration of personnel across multiple disciplines.
• Ensure delivery of the project within agreed scope, programme, quality requirements, and budget targets.

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• Minimum 15 years' experience delivering major engineering or construction projects within highly regulated industries such as nuclear, power generation, oil & gas, or similar sectors.
• Demonstrable experience operating at Project Director level with full accountability for projects valued at 20m+ throughout the complete project lifecycle.
• Extensive NEC3 ECC contract management experience, ideally with Option C target cost contracts.
• Formal Project Management qualification such as PMP or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of CDM 2015 regulations.
• Proven experience delivering fire detection, suppression, or integrated life safety systems on major projects.
• Detailed knowledge of nuclear codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• IOSH qualification as a minimum, with NEBOSH preferred.
• Strong commercial, contractual and financial management capability with ownership of project P&L and cost control.

Personal skills

The Project Director role would suit someone who is:

• A highly effective leader capable of managing and developing multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commercially astute with excellent financial and contractual awareness.
• An exceptional communicator who can engage confidently with customers, regulators, subcontractors, and senior stakeholders.
• Proactive in identifying risks and implementing practical mitigation strategies.
• Organized and strategic, with the ability to balance long-term project objectives with day-to-day operational requirements.
• Comfortable working within complex, highly regulated environments where quality and safety are paramount.
• Experienced in working across multicultural teams and multiple locations.
• Passionate about driving a positive safety culture and delivering excellence in project execution.

Salary and benefits of the Project Director role

• Highly competitive basic salary.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Company pension scheme.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead one of the UK's most significant nuclear infrastructure projects.
• Long-term project security through to 2035.
• Bristol-based office with frequent travel to the Sizewell C site and occasional travel to Paris.
• Opportunity to work within a global organization specializing in critical fire safety systems for the nuclear sector.

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Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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