Head of Civils Power

The Major Projects Director – Civil Infrastructure provides executive leadership and oversight for the planning, execution, and successful delivery of large-scale civil engineering and infrastructure projects. These may include highways, bridges, tunnels, water infrastructure, urban development, ports and other complex multi-disciplinary works.

The role ensures that all projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, to technical specifications, and in compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. The Major Projects Director acts as a strategic partner to the executive team, shaping the organization’s infrastructure delivery capability and driving operational excellence across the project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Programme Delivery

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all major civil infrastructure programmes.
• Develop project execution strategies, delivery models, and implementation frameworks.
• Oversee the planning, design management, procurement, and construction phases of major projects.
• Ensure alignment with organizational strategy, client goals, and regulatory requirements.

2. Project Governance & Controls

• Establish strong governance systems, project controls, and reporting mechanisms.
• Implement best-practice risk management, change control, and quality assurance processes.
• Monitor progress against schedule, cost, scope, and performance KPIs.
• Lead project reviews, stage-gates, and performance audits.

3. Portfolio & Contract Management

• Manage multiple complex projects valued at [insert typical value range], ensuring commercial and contractual compliance.
• Oversee major EPC, D&B, PPP, or alliance contracts, including negotiation and performance management.
• Ensure effective interface management across contractors, consultants, and internal teams.

4. Construction & Technical Oversight

• Provide expert guidance on civil engineering design, constructability, and technical decisions.
• Ensure engineering standards, specifications, and design reviews are applied consistently.
• Resolve major technical challenges, conflicts, or site constraints.
• Promote innovation in construction methodologies, materials, and digital engineering/BIM.

5. Safety, Environment & Quality (HSSEQ)

• Lead a robust safety culture with a focus on zero harm.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, planning, and permitting requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, sustainability, and safety practices.

6. Stakeholder, Regulatory & Client Engagement

• Serve as the key executive liaison with clients, government bodies, regulators, consultants, and JV partners.
• Manage complex stakeholder environments, community impacts, and public expectations.
• Lead high-level negotiations, dispute resolution, and relationship management.

7. Financial & Commercial Accountability

• Oversee project budgets, cost forecasts, cash flow, and financial reporting.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, commercial exposures, and claims.
• Ensure major projects meet profitability expectations and contractual obligations.

8. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams including engineering, construction, commercial, HSSE, and project controls.
• Build talent pipelines, succession plans, and high-performing project leadership teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering discipline (required).
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or Business Administration (preferred).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng, PE, P.Eng, or equivalent) strongly preferred.

Experience

• 15–20+ years of experience delivering major civil/infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record directing large-scale programmes
• Leadership experience across complex construction environments—transport, water, industrial, or urban infrastructure.
• Strong expertise in contract management (FIDIC, NEC, EPC, D&B, PPP).
• Experience managing joint ventures, multinational teams, and multi-contractor interfaces.

Technical Competencies

• Deep knowledge of civil engineering design and construction methods.
• Strong project controls, scheduling, cost management, and risk management expertise.
• Working knowledge of BIM, digital engineering, and modern project delivery tools.
• Strong commercial acumen and claims/contractual awareness.

Behavioral & Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead under pressure, resolve conflicts, and make decisive judgments.
• High integrity, resilience, and commitment to safety and quality.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time delivery of major projects
• Budget adherence and cost control
• Safety performance (TRIR, LTIFR)
• Quality and compliance performance
• Stakeholder satisfaction and regulatory approvals
• Claims avoidance and contract performance
• Employee engagement and team capability development