Project Director - Earthworks / Civils / Energy

Project Director – Energy & Power / Civil Engineering

Location: Wick, Scotland
Project Value: Circa £30 million
Project Duration: Long-term major project
Start Date: January 2027
Sector: Energy & Power / Earthworks & Civils
Recruitment Partner: DB Recruitment

The Opportunity

DB Recruitment are currently working with a highly regarded specialist contractor operating within the earthworks and civil engineering sector, who are looking to appoint an experienced Project Director to lead a major £30 million energy and power infrastructure project in Wick, Scotland.

This is a significant project involving approximately 2 million cubic metres of earthworks, alongside substantial civil engineering and associated infrastructure works.

The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the project, providing strategic leadership across the operational, commercial, programme and stakeholder aspects of the scheme.

Although the project is scheduled to commence in January 2027, our client is keen to secure the right individual considerably sooner. The successful candidate will therefore have the opportunity to become involved during the pre-construction and mobilisation phases, helping shape the project and establish the delivery strategy ahead of commencement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the £30m project.
• Take full responsibility for project delivery from mobilisation through to completion.
• Lead and develop the project management, engineering and operational teams.
• Establish and maintain robust project delivery strategies, programmes and methodologies.
• Oversee major earthworks operations, including the management of approximately 2 million m³ of material.
• Ensure the project is delivered safely, on programme, to specification and within budget.
• Work closely with the commercial team to maintain strong financial and contractual control.
• Manage client relationships, consultants, subcontractors and key stakeholders.
• Drive programme performance and proactively identify and mitigate project risks.
• Ensure appropriate resource, plant, labour and subcontractor strategies are in place.
• Lead project meetings and provide clear reporting to senior management and the client.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.
• Support the pre-construction and mobilisation process ahead of the January start.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and overall project performance.

About You

We are looking for an established Project Director / Senior Project Manager with a strong background in major civil engineering and earthworks projects.

Ideally, you will have experience delivering large-scale projects within the energy, power, infrastructure or major civils sectors, with significant earthworks experience being particularly advantageous.

You should be comfortable operating at a senior level, managing substantial project teams and budgets, while maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Given the location and scale of the project, candidates should be based within a realistic commuting distance of Wick, Scotland, or be able to demonstrate a genuine commitment to working in the area for the duration of the project.

Experience Required

Proven experience as a Project Director, Senior Project Manager or equivalent senior delivery role.

Strong major civil engineering and earthworks background.

Experience managing projects valued at £20m+, ideally around the £30m level or above.

Experience within energy, power, infrastructure or similarly complex sectors.

Demonstrable experience managing large-scale earthworks operations.

Strong commercial and contractual awareness.

Proven leadership and team management capability.

Strong programme management and stakeholder management skills.

Excellent communication and decision-making abilities.

Relevant professional qualifications are desirable, with CSCS, SMSTS and/or equivalent senior project qualifications advantageous.

Why Join?

This represents an excellent opportunity to take a senior leadership position on a £30m energy and power project with a specialist contractor that has a strong reputation within earthworks and civil engineering.

The successful candidate will be brought into the business ahead of the main works commencing, allowing them to have genuine influence over the mobilisation, planning and delivery strategy from the outset.

This is a high-profile project requiring an experienced leader who can take ownership and drive delivery from pre-construction through to completion.

Apply Now

DB Recruitment are keen to speak with experienced Project Directors and Senior Project Managers who are interested in taking on a major project in the Wick area.

For a confidential discussion regarding the role, project and package, please contact DB Recruitment.