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Project Director
Senior Project Director – Education Programmes (London)
About Wates Construction
Wates Construction is one of the UK’s most respected and long-establablished Tier 1 contractors. As a family-owned business, we take pride in our long-term outlook, people-first culture, and unwavering commitment to delivering excellence with integrity.
Our Construction London teams collaborate to deliver major, complex projects that leave a lasting positive legacy in the communities we serve.
Education is core to our sector, and we are a trusted delivery partner on Department for Education (DfE) frameworks, ensuring the creation of high-quality, safe, and sustainable learning environments across the capital.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Project Director to provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of major education projects, delivered through 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
- Leading multiple project teams
- Ensuring operational excellence
- Acting as the senior point of contact for clients and key stakeholders
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the delivery of major school and education projects within the DfE framework portfolio
- Drive best-in-class performance across safety, quality, programme, and commercial outcomes
- Provide inspirational leadership to Project Directors, Project Managers, and site teams
- Ensure robust governance, risk management, and compliance with all statutory and contractual requirements
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with:
- DfE stakeholders
- Consultants
- Supply chain partners
- Internal stakeholders
- Collaborate closely with Commercial, Pre-Construction, Design, and Sustainability teams
- Promote and embed Wates’ values, behaviours, and commitment to wellbeing and social value
- Contribute to regional strategy, continuous improvement, and long-term business growth
About You
We are looking for a senior operational leader with:
- Proven experience in a Tier 1 main contractor in a senior operational leadership role
- Essential experience delivering schools or education projects, ideally within DfE or similar public-sector frameworks
- A strong track record in managing complex, multi-project portfolios, particularly in live or sensitive environments
- High proficiency in:
- Programme certainty
- Risk management
- Commercial performance
- An inclusive, values-led leader with the ability to:
- Motivate and develop high-performing teams
- Communicate effectively at all levels, from client to board
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Why Join Wates Construction London?
- A rare opportunity to lead high-profile education projects that make a real difference to future generations
- Work in a family-owned, purpose-driven organisation with long-term stability
- A collaborative culture that genuinely prioritises people, wellbeing, and development
- Strong commitment to sustainability, social value, and responsible construction
- Competitive salary, executive-level benefits, and long-term career progression
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