Project Director

RPS Tetra Tech are seeking a proactive and ambitious Project Director to lead a portfolio of complex operational projects within our Asset Survey and Inspection, field services business. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader dedicated to delivering project excellence, ensuring the highest standards of service quality and efficiency. About The Team The RPS Asset, Surveying, and Inspection team provides industry leading services to the UK Water Industry and our employees are involved in services supporting Water Networks, Drainage, Surveying, Water Resources and Efficiency. About You As the Project Director, you will take ownership of end-to-end project delivery, drive efficiency and ensure the health and safety of our remote field teams. Your success will be measured by your ability to achieve financial targets, foster stakeholder relationships, improve business processes and implement best practices across all projects. The role will involve regular travel across the UK. Leadership Your Responsibilities: Lead and inspire a team of regional and project managers and remote field teams. Model leadership behaviours that promote safety standards, team development, and best practices across all projects and operations. Commercial & Risk Management Oversee profit and loss (P&L) responsibilities and fee generation within the designated region. Identify, manage, and mitigate project risks to maximise commercial opportunities while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Support the preparation of bids and proposals, creating compelling value propositions that highlight our capabilities and advantages. Establish governance around contract management and ensure thorough legal reviews are conducted to mitigate risks, ensure compliance and dispute resolution. Driving Project Efficiency Achieve desired financial targets including profitability, budget management and days sales outstanding targets. Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement strategies to enhance project efficiency. Champion the adoption of innovative technologies and methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes. Performance Management Coach and develop the regional and project management team, ensuring compliance with training, competency processes, and relevant regulations. Hold ultimate accountability for project performance and business initiatives, delivering progress reports to the Operations Director. KPI Management Lead teams to achieve and exceed their KPIs, including revenue, profit and cash collection targets. Align project & operational performance with overall commercial strategies and regional plans. Client Collaboration Establish and nurture key client relationships to enhance existing and future business opportunities. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to showcase our capabilities and support business growth. Change Management Champion a culture of continuous improvement, leading change management initiatives to enhance project & operational standards and processes. Skills, Experience & Qualifications Required Proven experience in leading complex projects with a strong track record in commercial leadership and project delivery. Ability to build lasting relationships based on results with new and existing clients. Significant experience in senior management roles, demonstrating expertise in delivery and business growth within a professional services environment. Strong financial acumen with experience in managing P&L accounts. Experience in driving business change and implementing digital transformations in project delivery. Excellent problem-solving and conflict management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for engaging with clients, staff, and management. A full UK driving license Desirable Qualifications In-depth knowledge of the water and wastewater sector, including regulatory and compliance standards. Good understanding of frameworks and NEC contracts What’s in it for you? A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you’ll be supported as far as you want to go. A career here is far from ordinary. Here you’re not a number; you are part of the solution. Why RPS? We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work-life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you. About RPS, a Tetra Tech Company RPS, part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, is a global firm that defines, designs, and manages projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s 28,000-strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource-scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities. As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market-leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career. Kickstart your adventure with endless possibilities within AS&I What happens next? If we feel you are a good match, we will be in touch to arrange a competency interview. If this opportunity suits your career journey, we’d love to hear from you. All applications will be considered. Ready to apply? Please have your CV ready and continue with your application online. Recruitment Agencies We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.