HDD Underground Project Director - Fiber Optic Industry

Job Description

Join Watkin Jones and Lead the Future of Residential Development!

Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer of residential properties, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Construction Director to play a key role in our continued growth. With our ongoing success in the build-to-rent (BTR), co-living, and student accommodation (PBSA) sectors, this is a unique opportunity to join the senior leadership team and make a significant impact on shaping our future.

Your Role :

We work on a basis so it's essential that you're happy to work away from home (expenses paid in line with company policy).

As Construction Director, you’ll be responsible for:

• Keeping projects running smoothly by providing accurate and timely performance updates, ensuring deadlines are met and everything stays within budget.
• Solving any challenges that pop up with a can-do attitude and smart solutions.
• Taking the lead on the construction side of projects in your portfolio, driving them forward to success.
• Offering expert guidance to Construction Managers, Project Managers, and the wider team, helping them be their best.
• Building strong, trusting relationships with both your internal teams and subcontractors.
• Helping shape the company’s future strategy while developing the capabilities of your team.

What You Bring to the role:

We’re looking for a natural leader who thrives in a team environment and knows how to motivate and inspire others. You’ll have a genuine passion for construction and project delivery, paired with excellent communication skills that help you build strong relationships at every level. Your leadership experience will be key, and you’ll be comfortable guiding senior teams through challenges with a blend of quality focus, customer care, and a solid business sense.

You’ll need to be comfortable making bold decisions and navigating risks while keeping excellence at the heart of everything you do. Bonus points if you’ve got experience in student accommodation or the BTR world.

What we’d love you to have:

• SMSTS certificate
• First Aid certificate
• Scaffolding certificate
• CSCS Card

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 PBSA 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.