Construction Project Director - Build to Rent

The Role

Our client is looking to hire an ambitious and dynamic Project Director, reporting to the Construction Director, supporting pre-acquisition cost, technical and programme activities and responsible for ensuring the completion of projects on time, within budget and to the required performance and quality standards. You will take the lead in coordinating the production of key project documents, management and reporting for the project, from planning through to project completion and handover.

The Business

Our client, is a specialist UK build-to-rent residential investment management business that covers the full-service platform: acquires, develops, manages and operates high quality rental property in London and major cities in the UK on behalf of its institutional capital partners.

The business is focused on delivering and operating sustainable housing that is purposely designed and professionally managed for it residents. The company’s ambition is to become the UK’s leading specialist investment manager and development manager of build-to-rent residential communities and is seeking to assemble a high-quality portfolio by developing sites, acquiring stabilised assets, entering forward funding arrangements and corporate M&A opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an active specialist real estate investment management business and gain exposure to a fast-paced, entrepreneurial atmosphere with significant opportunity for career development.

Responsibilities:

• Liaise with Investment and Property Management Teams on relevant aspects of design and construction proposals
• Provide pipeline and underwriting cost, technical and programme support to the Investment Management Team
• Together with Investment Management colleagues, represent the business during pre-acquisition stage negotiations with Vendors
• Communicate Owner objectives to the Professional Team, provide input to and maintain the development brief
• Work with the Investment & Property Management Teams and relevant consultants to develop the brand for the Asset
• Own development management on agreed individual projects, together with oversight of portfolio projects
• Lead the agreement of all professional team appointments and input to agreement of contractual terms with the relevant contractor(s)
• Pre-construction design and procurement management
• Ensure that delivery management is aligned with Contractors, assisting in areas such as amenity design, procurement and fit-out, phased occupation strategies and creating a seamless handover process integrated with the Property Manager
• Manage the interior design programmes, including the appointment of an interior design consultants, design and procurement management, ensuring affordable design, flexibility to accommodate the Investment & Property Manager’s review and approvals and fit-out delivery on time
• Advise the Owner in relation to retail design and delivery management during Project delivery
• Act as the focal point for all communications relating to the Project site and construction related issues
• Act as the Owner’s interface with the design team to help resolve design issues
• Provide reports on the impact of change both to the programme and cost plan
• Work closely with Contractor and the Professional Teams in relation to any value engineering exercise
• Provide input to buildability reviews with design teams during the pre-construction period
• Assist in the appointment of relevant service providers during design and construction, including but not limited to providers of FF&E, gym equipment and internet service providers
• Advise the Leadership Team of any potential early warnings which may impact cost and programme
• Responsible for providing the monthly Development Manager’s reports
• Contribute to setting targets to improve productivity and efficiency across the Project including KPIs for health and safety, sustainability, defects, etc.
• Provide input into Project ESG strategies and monitor compliance
• Promote continuous improvements within Professional Teams
• Provide input to maintaining excellent Health and Safety standards across projects
• Assist in assembling and promoting Project Safety Leadership teams
• Contribute to innovation exercises and the development of related design and construction solutions
• Management of site-based marketing activity during construction and prior to handover to the Property Manager
• Assist the relevant member of the Professional Team in managing the compliance monitoring team during design and construction
• Support the development of supply chain database and management proposals in relation to the Project
• In conjunction with the Property Manager, manage the installation of all loose furniture during construction or following Practical Completion
• Coordinate with Property Manager to ensure a seamless handover of assets
• Monitor progress and report defaults
• Manage all close out activities
• Manage the defect liability period up to an including the issue of the final Certificate of Making Good Defects

Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Degree in Building or Quantity Surveying, Project Management, or other related degree
• Member of the RICS or other related institutions
• Working knowledge of Project & Construction Management, Measurement & Specification, Tendering and Contract Management
• A solid knowledge of building technology and construction process
• A working knowledge of current Health and Safety standards and building regulations
• Expert level proficiency in MS Office – Word, Excel, Project; and database management programs in order to complete, design, and develop required reports and documents; including experience in software applications related to budgeting and overall project management

Desired Experience & Skills:

• Strong project management experience within the property industry or relevant construction experience
• Experience of project specification and procurement, contract documentation/administration processes
• Experience of sourcing, vetting and appointing and managing external consultants, contractors and suppliers
• Experience to working on development/professional teams and taking a lead role in driving projects forward
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships and influence at all levels
• Strong numeracy skills; including the ability to manage and maintain accurate cash flow information
• Self-motivated with drive and determination to deliver results
• Proficiency in managing multiple timelines and projects simultaneously, setting priorities, and working with little or no direct supervision
• The ability to work autonomously and within a team

If you are interested in this role, please apply by sending a copy of your CV to jennifer.mcbride@peoplegroup.com