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Construction/Engineering Project Director

GrowUp Farms

GrowUp Farms

Sandwich, UK
Posted on Friday, August 11, 2023

What you’ll love about us

If you’re a plant-loving people-person who’s skilled at construction project management at a director level, then we want to meet you. But first, a bit about us…

We’re a full-scale, energy-saving, B-Corp certified, sustainably powered vertical farm. We’re on a mission to transform the farming system forever, so that everyone can afford tasty nutritious food, that doesn’t cost the earth. Literally.

In other words: we boldly grow where no one has grown before. Our state-of-the-art salad leaves are made possible by an incredible team of rocket scientists (see what we did there?), engineers, leaf whisperers, and a root network of fabulous people. Which brings us onto you

Your Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Construction Project Director to lead and oversee our engineering and construction projects from inception to completion. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering/construction management, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

You will directly report into the Engineering Director and manage a team of 3-4 Project Managers who will be dedicated to delivering on the improvements of our existing sites, as well as the design, planning and budgeting of new sites as we continue to scale our business.

All the responsibilities we will trust you with:

  • Provide strategic direction and leadership to the construction project team, ensuring effective coordination of all aspects of the project.
  • Tender, procure, negotiate and execute large-scale multi-contract and lump sum EPC contracts.
  • Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including contractors, and subcontractors, to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Monitor and assess project risks, identifying potential issues and developing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
  • Oversee procurement processes, including vendor selection and contract negotiations, to secure necessary materials and services.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provide regular project updates and reports to senior management, highlighting key milestones, issues, and achievements.
  • Foster a culture of safety on construction sites, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of project managers and other construction professionals, fostering their professional growth and development.
  • Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to drive innovation and continuous improvement within the construction department.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter most for this role:

Essential:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Construction management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Track record in recruiting and building construction delivery teams.
  • Contract Management, both multiple contract and lump sum EPC with values up to £50 million, including leading the procurement, tender and contract negotiation processes.
  • Significant demonstrable experience in managing construction projects in multiple locations, with a demonstrated track record of delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams.
  • In-depth knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to adapt to changing project requirements.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction with stakeholders at all levels.

Desirable:

Experience in:

  • Delivering high care food or pharmaceutical projects.
  • Managing expansion of operational production facilities.
  • Automation, large scale HVAC and climate projects, factory design and delivery.

What’s in it for you?

  • Be part of a great business – you will be on board one of the fastest growing and most exciting businesses in the vertical farming industry.
  • Be part of a great team – you will work with and learn from a friendly, smart, growing, and passionate team who care about each other and the business.
  • Grow yourself – a chance to develop yourself and make the role your own as the business and team builds, broadening your knowledge and capabilities to push you to the next level.
  • Share our passion for driving change for good – sustainable production is at the heart of what we do and our B Corp status.

Package

  • Highly competitive annual salary
  • Annual bonus based on company, team, and personal performance.
  • Employee incentivisation scheme
  • 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
  • Income Protection insurance
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
  • Pension (5% employer contribution)
  • Employee benefits programme with Bravo Benefits and Employee Assistance Programme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Health insurance with Vitality