Project Director

Role overview

This opportunity sits with a highly regarded Irish engineering and infrastructure contractor known for delivering intricate, high-value programmes across industrial, environmental, and process-led sectors. The organisation works at the premium end of the market and has built a strong reputation in pharmaceutical and life sciences infrastructure, where technical accuracy, regulatory understanding, and disciplined programme control are essential.

The business has long-standing relationships with major pharmaceutical manufacturers and supports large-scale production and manufacturing facilities throughout Ireland. It is recognised as a trusted delivery partner for complex, utility-heavy, and process-centric projects.

As a company, it combines the scale and commercial strength of a large contractor with the responsiveness and client focus of a specialist. Senior leaders are given autonomy, strong support, and the opportunity to make a real impact on projects and teams. With a healthy pipeline of future work and increasing demand from international pharmaceutical clients expanding in Ireland, this is a strong time to join at senior level.

Role environment

In the Project Director role, you will take executive ownership of a flagship pharmaceutical infrastructure programme. This is one of the most commercially important and technically demanding projects in the current portfolio, and you will be the senior leader responsible for overall performance, client satisfaction, financial outcomes, and team leadership across a multidisciplinary delivery structure.

The programme includes complex utilities, process systems, and infrastructure works associated with major pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. This covers high-specification mechanical and electrical installations, process pipework and fluid handling systems, cleanroom and controlled-environment construction, and the coordination of building systems to meet strict GMP and regulatory requirements.

The delivery culture is collaborative and strongly focused on execution. You will work alongside experienced commercial, engineering, and site management professionals, with direct access to senior business leadership for escalation and strategic guidance. Quality, safety, and client satisfaction are central to the way the team operates.

The role is primarily based in Dundalk, County Louth, providing a stable home base with access to a wide stretch of pharmaceutical activity along the east coast. Some travel to other sites or client offices may be needed from time to time.

Responsibilities

• Take complete executive responsibility for delivering a flagship pharmaceutical infrastructure programme to schedule, budget, and the required quality and compliance standards.
• Direct a multidisciplinary team covering site management, engineering, commercial, and support disciplines.
• Serve as the senior programme-level contact for key client stakeholders and manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee programme financial performance, working with the commercial team on cost control, risk, variations, and forecasting.
• Shape and steer programme execution so that all workstreams are coordinated and key milestones are achieved.
• Monitor subcontractor and supply-chain delivery, ensuring procurement, timelines, and quality targets are consistently met.
• Lead project governance and provide regular updates to internal leaders and client representatives on progress, risk, and commercial position.
• Ensure all delivery activities align with health and safety law, environmental obligations, and GMP standards where relevant.
• Spot, mentor, and grow talent within the project team to support succession and a strong delivery culture.

Requirements

• Established experience as a Project Director, Senior Project Manager, or Operations Leader on large, technically demanding programmes.
• Background in pharmaceutical, life sciences, process, utilities, or industrial infrastructure projects; direct GMP exposure is a strong advantage.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and handle senior client relationships across a major programme.
• Hands-on experience with full P&L ownership, including commercial performance, cost reporting, and risk oversight.
• Strong working knowledge of construction and engineering contract structures, plus experience managing main contractor relationships and substantial subcontractor networks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management capability, with the confidence to engage at Board level on both client and business matters.
• Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or a related field; professional membership such as Engineers Ireland, CIOB, APM, or equivalent is preferred.

Compensation and future potential

The package includes a salary of €150,000, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the role.

Beyond the immediate assignment, the position offers strong long-term prospects. As the company continues to expand its pharmaceutical and life sciences portfolio, the successful candidate may be well placed to progress into broader operational or divisional leadership responsibilities over time.

Additional information

A confidential discussion is available for candidates who wish to discuss the role further. Contact details were provided in the source material, along with instructions to submit an updated CV through the application route mentioned there.

About the employer

The company is a specialist recruitment business focused on infrastructure, construction, and engineering appointments.