Project Director

We are recruiting on behalf of an ambitious and growing manufacturing business that delivers complex, high-value, low-volume engineered products to customers across multiple sectors. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Project Director to take ownership of a portfolio of strategically important customer projects while leading and developing a multidisciplinary project management team.

This is a senior leadership role suited to an individual who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys balancing operational delivery with strategic leadership, and is passionate about building high-performing teams.

As Project Director, you will be responsible for the successful delivery of multiple high-value customer projects from contract award through to final delivery. You will oversee a team of Project Managers, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of multiple concurrent high-value, low-volume manufacturing projects.
• Manage, mentor and develop a team of Project Managers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget and in line with customer expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, acting as the senior escalation point where required.
• Develop project execution strategies that maximise efficiency while managing commercial and operational risk.
• Monitor project performance through KPIs, resource planning, financial reporting and risk management.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Production, Procurement, Quality and Commercial departments.
• Identify and resolve project risks, constraints and resource conflicts before they impact delivery.
• Support business growth through effective contract reviews, bid support and project planning.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project delivery, operational performance and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

The Ideal Project Director

• Proven experience leading multiple complex, high-value manufacturing or engineering projects simultaneously.
• Previous experience managing and developing project management teams.
• Strong understanding of project governance, planning, budgeting and risk management.
• Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to balance customer expectations against business objectives.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to influence at senior leadership and customer level.
• Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• A proactive, solutions-focused leadership style.