Project Director - Tunnelling & Civil Engineering
Location: UK-wide projects (with travel as required)

Red Sky Personnel is recruiting on behalf of a major UK contractor to appoint an experienced Project Director. This is a key leadership role delivering complex tunnelling and civils schemes including microtunnelling, shaft sinking, pipe jacking, and TBM works. The successful candidate will oversee performance across programme, cost, safety, and quality, ensuring smooth delivery from mobilisation through to handover. You will take full responsibility for project delivery across multiple sites, working closely with commercial, engineering, and site teams to ensure technical excellence, contractual compliance, and high client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

Lead multi-disciplinary teams across all stages of complex tunnelling and civils works

Maintain full control over programme, safety, cost, quality, and resourcing

Implement best practice across TBM operations, microtunnelling, shaft sinking, and pipe jacking

Technical & Operational Oversight

Oversee design reviews and ensure integrity of temporary works and construction methodology

Resolve delays and issues promptly, ensuring high standards are maintained on site

Commercial & Contract Management

Full accountability for NEC and similar contract performance, including variations and claims

Work with commercial teams to manage subcontractors, final accounts, and margin improvement

Team Leadership

Build and manage project teams; support career development and succession planning

Promote a positive and accountable team culture

Health, Safety & Environment

Uphold a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with RAMS and project-specific procedures

Lead on audits, site inspections, and continuous improvement

Stakeholder & Client Management

Act as senior point of contact for clients, JV partners, and key stakeholders

Represent the business in meetings, reviews, and industry forums

Candidate Profile

Essential:

Extensive leadership experience on major civils/tunnelling projects (£20m+)

Strong knowledge of TBMs, pipe jacking, shaft sinking, and microtunnelling

Proven commercial experience under NEC or similar forms of contract

Effective team leader with excellent communication skills

HND/HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering

CSCS Black Card and SMSTS (or equivalent)

Desirable:

Chartered status or working towards (CEng, MICE, etc.)

Experience with JV or alliance models

Knowledge of temporary works, dewatering, and ground treatment

Competence with digital construction and reporting tools

This is a standout opportunity to join a respected UK business at the forefront of specialist civil engineering delivery.

To apply or find out more, contact Rachel Marrey at Red Sky Personnel