European Construction Director

My client is a FTSE 250 company and are a well-known, respectable brand within their market. They have an impressive track record in managing and developing assets, with over 160 stores across 5 countries (over 100 UK stores). They have been awarded Platinum accreditation by Investors In People.  We are looking to recruit an experienced construction director to join this unique and dynamic business. You must have European experience.

The role

As a key member of the Executive Committee, the Construction director will play a pivotal role in translating business strategy into property solutions with discipline and rigor to the Executive Committee and Board. The Construction Director will take responsibility for leading all aspects of the Construction function. This does not include day-to-day store maintenance but does include capital projects in existing stores. This will be achieved through the following key areas:

• Maintaining value and quality throughout capital projects and major new store developments
• Ensuring the successful build and/or build out of our pipeline of stores delivered by the Acquisition and Development function, through robust project management. 
• Leading the team pro-actively, providing clear engaging communication, working collaboratively with senior colleagues, and delivering a customer centric property service that supports the business strategy for growth.

This role is based in our North London Head Office with responsibility across the Group of companies in all our European operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Effectively manage and control the capital programme to ensure execution within agreed parameters (for example budget and time) and in accordance with organisational quality and standards
• Evaluate and review progress and performance to ensure continuous improvement and management of risk
• Build and maintain external relationships (e.g., clients, contractors/subcontracts) to increase networks
• Diligently oversee and instill proper controls and systems to ensure that project risks are identified and mitigated within commercially acceptable levels
• Provide regular proactive reports on the projects relating to cost, programme and progress, contracts risks and quality / design, at all levels within the company
• Be responsible for capital budgets and resources, ensuring that they are allocated effectively for the delivery of intended outcomes, balancing value for money and compliance with business policies and guidelines
• Inspire, coach, and support the team to encourage their personal development, nurture their aspirations and demonstrate continuous improvement. Ensure the right people are in the right roles and create an environment where people are fully engaged and committed to success
• Promote sustainable practices and use of these materials (where possible)
• Manage cross-functional interfaces with all other functions, including managing European interfaces
• Ensure the organisation complies with all relevant professional, registration and legal standards relating to property, contracts & statutory compliance, in our UK and European sites.

Experience & skills required

• Construction: In-depth knowledge of construction including design, contractual procurement options and optimising price, quality, and speed of delivery.
• Financial: Accomplished in DCF appraisals. Well-developed understanding of the interdependency between property and finance. An experienced budget holder, comfortable leading projects, and programmes of work.
• Risk Management: Ability to use commercial judgment and experience to balance risk, resolve conflicts of interest and find resolutions to support long term business benefit.
• Legislation: Experience and influence in the commercial and retail property market, with sound perspective on the legal frameworks across the countries within which we operate.
• Negotiation: An enthusiastic and confident negotiator, with a passion for delivering value for money
• Leadership: Demonstrable interpersonal skills with an ability to adapt style to engage and influence others.  Creates loyalty within own function and builds credibility and respect with other functions. Experienced in leading and inspiring a high-performing team with excellent influencing skills – capable of building strong cross-functional relationships
• Networking: Acts as an ambassador for the Company within the property industry.  Develops and leverages a commercially relevant network.
• Qualifications: Preferably a chartered surveyor and/or construction-related professional qualifications with a degree or masters in property related discipline.
• Communication: A natural communicator who enjoys sharing and debating ideas at all levels.  Possesses strong market perspective and an excellent network of property industry contacts.

Commercially aware, you will be confident dealing with a wide range of people, possess excellent communication skills, a cool head and have the intelligence to motivate an experienced property team.