Project Director

About the Opportunity

What does a project director do?

As a project director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project to ensure the quality is a high standard, and that it is running to the timescales allowed.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring build progress, overseeing finance and ensuring project quality
• Making strategic decisions and providing leadership and direction to project managers to implement those decisions
• Meeting with clients, stakeholders and project managers to report on project progress
• Liaising with clients and building strong working relationships
• Devising cost-effective plans to enable effective project completion
• Managing risks to avoid delays or reputational damage
• Ensuring permits and legal papers are secured ahead of the project
• Managing project managers and enabling them to supervise and manage their own teams
• Working in an office and on a construction site

About You

How to become a project director

There are several routes to becoming a project director. You can gain the qualifications you need by completing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship.

University

You could complete a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), undergraduate degree or postgraduate award accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant subjects include construction management, business and project management or building studies.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer construction-related courses at higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) level, which would help you on your career path to becoming a project director.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Work

If you’ve already worked in supporting roles within project teams and have proven management experience or qualifications, you may be able to apply directly for a role as a project manager or director.

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone looking to become a project director include:

• Leadership and business management skills
• Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• Persistence and determination
• Able to use your initiative
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Maths knowledge
• Excellent verbal communication skills

Qualifications

To become a project director, you could complete a:

Level 7 NVQ in Construction Senior Management

Eligibility

To Become a Project Director, You Will Need:

Scottish National 5 A-C including Maths and English, A Levels and previous experience

You Could Complete A:

Level 5 SVQ in Construction Senior Manager at SCQF Level 11

To Become a Project Director, You Will Need:

GCSE A*-C including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience

You Could Complete A:

Level 7 NVQ in Construction Senior Management

Benefits

How much could you earn as a project director?

The expected salary for a project director varies as you become more experienced.

Newly trained project directors can start at £55000

Trained with experience project directors can earn up to £150000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources