Construction Director

Watkin Jones plc; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK developer is seeking a Construction Director to lead and deliver complex projects nationally. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in construction, a commitment to quality, and strong communication skills. Key responsibilities include overseeing construction activities, ensuring project quality and safety, and mentoring various teams. This role also offers professional growth, a discretionary annual bonus, and various benefits including a company car and health cash plan.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Life insurance

Flexible working from home

Discounted gym memberships

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in construction delivery.
• Ability to operate in a dynamic environment.
• Expertise in driving high performance across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee construction activities across multiple sites.
• Provide accurate and timely project reporting.
• Mentor and develop teams to enhance capability.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Commercial judgement

Customer focus

Influencing skills

Job description

Overview

Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer of residential and purpose-built accommodation, is seeking an experienced and accomplished Construction Director to join our organisation. With continued growth across the Build-to-Rent (BTR), co-living, and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sectors, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to influence the strategic direction of our construction activities and contribute to the delivery of high-quality developments across the UK.

The Role

As Construction Director, this is a national role where you will assume full responsibility for the leadership and successful delivery of a portfolio of complex projects. You will ensure that each development is executed to the highest standards, within agreed timescales and budgets, and in alignment with our operational and commercial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and timely project reporting, maintaining clear oversight of budgets, programmes, and risks.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues, ensuring delivery meets quality and safety requirements.
• Lead and oversee construction activities across multiple sites, promoting consistency and operational excellence.
• Mentor, guide, and develop Construction Managers, Project Managers, and wider operational teams to enhance capability and performance.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, subcontractors, and external partners.
• Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives within the construction function.

About You

The successful candidate will be an established and credible construction leader, capable of operating in a dynamic environment and driving high performance across diverse teams.

You will demonstrate

• Significant leadership experience in construction delivery, ideally across a range of project types.
• A commitment to quality, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills at all organisational levels.
• Sound commercial judgement and the ability to make well-informed decisions in complex situations.

Why join us?

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:

• Professional Growth: Individual support for your career advancement
• Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), flexible working from home, and discounted gym memberships.
• Wellbeing: Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform
• Benefits: Company car or allowance, exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

About Us

Watkin Jones Group is the UK\'s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000 PBAS beds and BTR units since inception across 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 20,000 units across 58 schemes, representing £3.2bn of assets under management.