Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Wates Construction is one of the UK's most respected and long-established Tier 1 contractors. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on a long-term outlook, people-first culture, and a commitment to delivering excellence with integrity. Our Construction London teams work collaboratively to deliver major, complex projects that leave a lasting positive legacy in the communities we serve. Education is a core sector for Wates, and we are a trusted delivery partner on Department for Education (DfE) frameworks, delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable learning environments across the capital.

We are seeking an experienced Project Director to provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of major education projects delivered through our DfE frameworks in London. This is a critical senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the successful planning and execution of projects from pre-construction through to completion. You will lead multiple project teams, ensure operational excellence, and act as a senior point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and overseeing the delivery of major school and education projects within the DfE framework portfolio
- Driving best-in-class performance across safety, quality, programme, and commercial outcomes
- Providing inspirational leadership to Project Directors, Project Managers, and site teams
- Ensuring robust governance, risk management, and compliance with all statutory and contractual requirements
- Building strong, trusted relationships with DfE, consultants, supply chain partners, and internal stakeholders
- Collaborating closely with Commercial, Pre-Construction, Design, and Sustainability teams
- Promoting and embedding Wates' values, behaviours, and commitment to wellbeing and social value
- Contributing to regional strategy, continuous improvement, and long-term business growth

Experience
Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role within a Tier 1 main contractor.
Essential experience delivering schools or education projects, ideally within DfE or similar public-sector frameworks.
Strong track record of managing complex, multi-project portfolios in live or sensitive environments.
Highly competent in managing programme certainty, risk, and commercial performance.

About you
An inclusive, values-led leader with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, with confidence operating at client and board level.

Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications and demonstrable leadership experience in construction project management are desirable.