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 provider leadership to strategically manage risk, monitor finances and ensure each phase of work is started or completed on time.

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Supervisory-Managerial
Higher qualifications
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What does a project director do?

As 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 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.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer construction-related courses at higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) level, which would help you on your career path to becoming a project director.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

You could study a higher or degree apprenticeship in construction project management or business and management.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you’ve already worked in supporting roles within project teams and have proven management experience or qualifications, you may be able to apply directly for a role as a project manager or director.

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.

Find out more about work experience

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

Qualifications

England

To become a project director, you could complete a:

Level 7 NVQ in Construction Senior Management

Scotland

To become a project director, you will need:

Scottish National 5 A-C including Maths and English, A Levels and previous experience

You could complete a:

Level 5 SVQ in Construction Senior Manager at SCQF Level 11

Wales

To become a project director, you will need:

GCSE A*-C including Maths and English, some may require A Levels and previous experience

You could complete a:

Level 7 NVQ in Construction Senior Management

How much could you earn as a project director?

The expected salary for a project director varies as you become more experienced.

Newly trained project directors can start at £45000
Trained with experience project directors can earn up to £145000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

You’ll need at least ten years’ industry experience to be a project director. Professional qualifications from the Association for Project Management (APM), Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) will help to prepare you for a more senior role.

Once you are working as a project director, you could specialise and oversee a particular area of project management, such as contracts or planning. Alternatively, you might set up as a self-employed consultant and set your own salary.

As an experienced director, you could progress to become a company’s executive director or CEO, or set up your own business.