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,

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.

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.

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…