Job Description of a Project Director
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Project directors have overall responsibility for the successful conclusion of construction projects. They oversee project managers, who coordinate teams to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget, to a high standard. Project directors provide leadership to strategically manage risk, monitor finances and ensure each phase of work is started or completed on time.
How to become a project director
There are several routes to becoming a project director. You can gain the qualifications you need by completing a university or college course, or an apprenticeship.
You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you. Usually, a project director will have had several years’ experience in the construction industry.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could complete a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), undergraduate degree or postgraduate award accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Relevant subjects include construction management, business and project management or building studies.
You’ll generally need:
- A levels (or equivalent) (foundation degree or HND)
- A levels (or equivalent) (undergraduate degree)
- A first degree (postgraduate award).
- Equivalent entry requirements explained
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a project director. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone looking to become a project director include:
- Leadership and business management skills
- Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- Persistence and determination
- Able to use your initiative
- Be thorough and pay attention to detail
- Maths knowledge
- Excellent verbal communication skills
What does a project director do?
A project director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project to ensure the quality is a high standard, and that it is running to the timescales allowed. The job role of a project director involves the following duties:
- Monitoring build progress, overseeing finance and ensuring project quality
- Making strategic decisions and providing leadership and direction to project managers to implement those decisions
- Meeting with clients, stakeholders and project managers to report on project progress
- Liaising with clients and building strong working relationships
- Devising cost-effective plans to enable effective project completion
- Managing risks to avoid delays or reputational damage
- Ensuring permits and legal papers are secured ahead of the project
- Managing project managers and enabling them to supervise and manage their own teams
- Working in an office and on a construction site.
How much could you earn as a project director?
- The expected salary for a project director varies as you become more experienced.
- Project directors with limited experience in the role can earn in the region of £40,000 to £60,000
- With experience, project directors can earn in the region of £60,000 to £90,000
- Senior project directors can earn in the region of £90,000 to £110,000 or higher.
- Hours and salary depend on location, employer, and any overtime you may do.
- Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources and have been updated as of 2019
