Project Director
Virago Search · Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Apply & track with Apply EdgePosition OverviewThe Project Director is a senior leadership role with a head contractor responsible for guiding the Delivery Team and assisting the General Manager. The core focus is ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to a high quality. Beyond operational delivery, this role is highly commercial and client-facing—acting as a trusted advisor to secure future pipeline, win work, and elevate market position. This contractor is is considered one of the best places to work in Australia, recognized for diversity, respect and inclusion in the workplace.
Key Responsibilities
1. Client & Stakeholder EngagementMaintain regular face-to-face contact with clients to understand their future programs and priorities.Actively identify early-stage opportunities and share market/competitor intelligence with BD team.Influence client perception and build trust through consistent, high-quality project delivery.Ensure all potential leads are captured in the CRM2. Profitability & Financial ControlTrack and manage costs to consistently exceed project financial margin targets.Review and approve progress claims, monitor payments, and manage variations/scope changes.Prepare monthly financial reports for the General Manager.Drive value management processes and identify financial risks/opportunities when letting trade packages.3. Contracts & ProcurementManage all head contract and subcontract conditions, taking responsibility for procurement of trades.Prepare and approve subcontracts and supply agreements within authority limits.Manage and resolve any head or subcontract claims.Ensure head contract accounts are finalized within one month of project completion.4. Project Planning & Time ManagementEstablish, monitor, and drive short- and long-range target programs.Develop efficient, cost-effective construction methodologies, PMP, SMP, ERP, EMP plans implemented.Chair Project Control Group (PCG) and team meetings.Manage Extensions of Time (EOTs) and develop immediate recovery strategies if projects fall behind schedule.5. Safety, Quality & Environment (IMS Compliance)Safety: Enforce strict compliance with WHS legislation, safety management systems, and site rules.Develop Site Safety Plans, conduct risk assessments, manage 'safety in design', and investigate incidents.Quality: Ensure the right subcontractors are selected to meet quality standards.Defects: Proactively minimize these during delivery, ensure rectifications are completed within 2 weeks.Environment: Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, develop Environmental Management Plans.6. Design Management (For D&C Projects)Coordinate consultants, ensure deliverables and milestones, align with time, cost, quality & objectives.Ensure designs comply with the BCA, Australian Standards, and Principal’s Project Requirements (PPR).Review designs strictly for buildability and cost efficiency.7. Staff Leadership & Industrial RelationsProvide daily motivation, mentorship, and leadership to Project Managers and the wider delivery team.Conduct regular feedback sessions, manage performance (with HR/GM), and assist in career advancement.Nurture a positive team culture aligned with company core values.Liaise with union officials to maintain positive industrial relations and escalate issues when necessary.Required Qualifications & ExperienceFormal qualifications (Degree/Diploma or higher) in Building, Construction, Engineering, or Project Management.Minimum 10 years’ post-qualification experience in the construction industry, ideally within the head contractor, commercial fit-out and refurbishment sector.Deep understanding of industry contracts, procurement methodologies, value management, and QA.Software: Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, and Word is essential. Experience with Procore, ProcurePro, and Jobpac is highly desirable.Key Behaviours & SkillsStrong commercial acumen with the ability to analyze complex contract conditions.Excellent negotiation, analytical, and risk-mitigation skills.Ability to work independently across multiple projects while maintaining a strong influence over the project team.Capable of providing expert analysis and methodology advice to the bid team for tender submissions.Interested in learning more about this opportunity? APPLY NOW and we will be in touch for a confidential discussion. Applications close 30 September 2026.