The Consultant Project Director is the most senior leadership role on the project, responsible for the strategic oversight and successful delivery of the programme. Reporting to the Microsoft Construction Project Manager (CPM), the Project Director will lead the integrated project team, ensuring alignment across all disciplines and stakeholders.

This role requires a highly experienced professional with a proven track record in delivering large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will be capable of managing complex interfaces and driving performance across safety, quality, schedule, and budget.

Reporting to: Microsoft Construction Manager / Site Director

Location: Site-based

Role Purpose

To provide strategic leadership and oversight across the full project lifecycle, ensuring delivery in line with Microsoft’s standards for safety, quality, compliance, and programme performance.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead overall project strategy, planning, and execution.
• Oversee all project phases from mobilisation through to handover and closeout.
• Ensure alignment across all project functions, including construction, commissioning, and integration.
• Monitor programme-level risk, budget, and schedule performance.
• Support the DCD CPM in governance, escalation, and key decision-making processes.
• Represent Microsoft in high-level engagements with contractors, authorities, and key partners.

Project Governance & Controls

• Prepare and maintain the Project Execution Plan, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the project team, Contractor, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers. Obtain approval from the DCD CPM.
• Establish and manage communication procedures between Microsoft, the consultant team, and Contractors, ensuring adherence at all times.
• Establish and manage the Change Management Process, liaising with Microsoft, the consultant team, and Contractors to clarify scope, justification, and technical details. Support the DCD CPM in issuing instructions under this process.
• Establish key project delivery processes and monitor their effectiveness, reporting and making recommendations to the DCD CPM.
• Develop, review, and regularly update the Project Risk Register. Agree and monitor Risk Mitigation Plans, contribute to quantitative risk analysis, and chair risk workshops.
• Prepare monthly Project Manager reports (for DCD CPM approval), weekly status updates, and provide input to other stakeholder reports and presentations as required.
• Monitor the performance of the consultant team, Contractor, and Client vendors, reporting findings to the DCD CPM.

Site Leadership & Compliance

• Conduct daily site walks to promote and monitor safety and progress. Track corrective actions through to timely completion.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local and national construction, design management, and safety regulations.
• Advise Microsoft on statutory obligations, approvals, and associated fees related to the project.
• Liaise with utility providers and statutory authorities (through the Design Team and Contractor) to establish requirements and secure compliance.
• Support the Client in discussions with neighbours and other third parties as required.

Planning, Design & Quality Oversight

• Review the General Contractor’s Construction Plan, Site Logistics Plan, Health & Safety Plan, and Quality Plan prior to construction commencement. Provide recommendations to the DCD CPM.
• Establish quality management structures and procedures, including review, approval, variation, and reporting protocols. Submit recommendations for DCD CPM approval.
• Prepare or oversee scheme design (or similar) reports summarising project design, cost, programme, constructibility, opportunities, and risk. Establish associated review and approval processes.
• Review the scope of the Building Contract and consultant appointments, advising Microsoft on any additional third-party works required.
• Review and assess the Contractor’s safety policies and processes, providing recommendations to the DCD CPM.
• Undertake regular site inspections and obtain progress and quality reports from Microsoft site representatives, the consultant team, and the Contractor. Present findings and recommendations to the DCD CPM.