Overview
Head of Projects – Business Unit North
Location: UK Wide Accounts
Reports to: Business Unit Director
Role Purpose
The Head of Projects will lead the Projects function within their assigned Business Unit at Pareto. Responsible for all project delivery activity within the Business Unit, covering capital works, lifecycle, refurbishments, and fit outs. The role ensures projects are delivered safely on time, to budget, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
The postholder will work closely with the BU leadership team, as well as the central Commercial, Procurement, and Finance functions, to ensure projects contribute positively to BU growth, margin delivery, and client satisfaction.
Responsibilities
* Leadership & BU Integration
o Lead the BU projects team, setting clear objectives, managing performance, and developing capability.
o Align project delivery with the overall BU strategy and operational model.
o Act as a senior member of the BU management team, contributing to strategy, planning, and client development.
* Project Delivery
o Oversee delivery of all BU projects (typically £50k–£2m) from inception to completion.
o Ensure robust controls are applied across programme, scope, budget, quality, risk, and health & safety.
o Drive innovation, sustainability, and ESG commitments within project execution.
* Client & Stakeholder Engagement
o Act as the BU’s senior projects contact for key client accounts.
o Work with BD and Operations to support project bids, tenders, and proposals.
o Build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.
* Commercial & Financial Management
o Ensure projects achieve agreed BU financial targets and margins.
o Manage cost plans, forecasts, cash flow, and reporting in collaboration with Finance and Commercial.
o Apply best practice procurement and contract management.
* Governance & Compliance
o Maintain compliance with statutory and company H&S standards, embedding a zero-harm culture.
o Provide accurate, timely BU reporting to the Business Unit Director and Group COO.
o Ensure adherence to Pareto’s project governance and risk management frameworks.
Person Specification
Experience & Skills
* Significant experience delivering projects within FM, engineering, or construction.
* Strong track record of managing project teams in a BU, regional, or account context.
* Solid commercial acumen with proven ability to deliver margin and cash performance.
* Excellent stakeholder management, client-facing confidence, and communication skills.
* Good knowledge of project methodologies, CDM Regulations, and statutory compliance.
Qualifications
* Degree (construction, engineering, or related) preferred.
* Chartered (RICS, CIOB, CIBSE) or working towards desirable.
* Project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2) an advantage.
Attributes
* Results-driven with ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.
* Collaborative leadership style, able to influence BU peers and Group stakeholders.
* Strong focus on client service, quality, and continuous improvement.
* Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable in a high-growth environment.
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