My client is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead the delivery of a £25m high-end residential refurbishment project in Surrey. This is a senior leadership position with full responsibility for project delivery and client liaison on a complex, design-led scheme for a demanding private client.
The successful candidate will take end-to-end ownership of the project, acting as the senior figure across programme, cost, quality, risk and stakeholder management. Proven prime residential experience is essential, along with the ability to manage challenging client relationships while maintaining exceptional delivery standards.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery & Leadership
Take full responsibility for the successful delivery of a £25m prime residential refurbishment project
Lead the project from pre-construction through to completion and handover
Set and maintain the highest standards of workmanship, finishes and detailing
Own the master programme and ensure complex refurbishment sequencing is effectively managed
Identify and mitigate risks associated with structural alterations, existing fabric and design changes
Client Liaison & Stakeholder Management
Act as the primary point of contact for the client and their representatives
Manage a demanding and detail-driven private client, ensuring expectations are aligned with programme, cost and quality
Lead all client meetings, progress reviews and key decision-making forums
Handle change requests, variations and sensitive issues with diplomacy and authority
Maintain strong relationships with the design team, consultants, statutory bodies and specialist contractors
Commercial & Contract Management
* Hold overall accountability for financial performance, cost control and reporting
* Lead procurement strategies for specialist and high-value trade packages
* Oversee change control, valuations, cash flow and final account processes
* Ensure commercial decisions support both project objectives and client satisfaction
Design & Technical Oversight
* Oversee design development and coordination across architecture, interiors, structure, MEP and specialist trades
* Ensure technical solutions align with the quality expectations of prime residential delivery
* Resolve complex technical and construction challenges typical of high-end refurbishments
Team Leadership
* Lead, mentor and motivate the project delivery team
* Set clear objectives and manage performance across project management, commercial and site teams
* Promote a collaborative, solutions-focused culture
Health, Safety & Quality
* Ensure exemplary standards of health, safety and environmental compliance
* Implement rigorous quality assurance processes at every project stage
* Ensure compliance with all statutory, contractual and regulatory requirements
Essential Experience & Skills
* Extensive experience delivering prime or super-prime residential projects is essential
* Proven track record as a Project Director or Senior Project Manager on high-value refurbishment projects (£10m+)
* Strong understanding of complex refurbishment works and high-spec finishes
* Significant experience managing difficult UHNW private clients
* Excellent commercial and contractual knowledge
* Confidence leading multi-disciplinary teams and high-profile stakeholders
* Strong leadership, communication and decision-making skills
Personal Attributes
* Calm, authoritative and resilient under pressure
* Highly client-focused with strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills
* Detail-driven with an uncompromising approach to quality
* Commercially astute and strategically minded
* Comfortable operating with autonomy and full accountability