Head of Project

Job Description

The Head of Project is responsible for leading and overseeing the successful delivery of the EPCm projects portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered safely, predictably, and profitably. Reporting to the BU Director, this role provides strategic leadership across project management, planning, cost control, document control, and project support functions.

The role is accountable for establishing robust project delivery disciplines, maintaining accurate forecasting, managing risks and change effectively and driving continuous improvement across project execution processes. The Head of Project works collaboratively with Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commercial teams to ensure delivery plans remain aligned with business objectives, technical requirements, and contractual commitments.

The Head of Project will develop team capability, provide clear portfolio-level reporting, support business development and tender activities and intervene proactively to address delivery challenges.

The role may also undertake Project Manager responsibilities on selected projects where required.

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for the successful delivery of the EPCm project portfolio.
• Ensure projects are delivered to agreed cost, schedule, quality, and performance targets.
• Drive consistency and operational excellence across project delivery methodologies and governance processes.
• Lead monthly portfolio reviews and conduct deep-dive assessments for high-risk projects.
• Act as the primary escalation point for project delivery, programme, cost, and risk issues.
• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop Project Delivery team.
• Build capability and succession plans to meet current and future business demands.
• Establish and maintain effective project management frameworks, processes, and standards appropriate to a lean EPCm SME environment.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of project schedules, cost-to-complete forecasts and risk registers.
• Provide regular portfolio performance reports, forecasts, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support bid and tender activities by developing delivery strategies, schedules, execution plans, and risk assessments.
• Champion compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) procedures.

• Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Construction, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Formal project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2 or PMP) desirable.
• Significant experience delivering engineering, procurement and EPC projects.
• Proven experience managing multiple concurrent projects within a portfolio environment.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and governance frameworks.
• Advanced knowledge of critical path planning and scheduling techniques.
• Strong understanding of cost forecasting, risk management and change control processes.
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness relevant to engineering and procurement projects (LOGIC, NEC, IChemE, etc.).
• Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and professionalism.