Project Portfolio Director - Cement (UK & Ireland)

About the role

We are looking for a senior Project Portfolio Director to lead the development and delivery of a major capital investment programme across our cement operations in the UK and Ireland. Reporting to the Operations Director – Cement, you will shape, prioritise and govern a portfolio of large‑scale, technically complex projects from concept through to commissioning.

Key responsibilities

• Define and prioritise the UK & Ireland cement project portfolio in line with strategic business objectives.
• Lead a central strategic projects team, including three Senior Project Managers.
• Oversee project development from ideation, feasibility studies and business case approval to execution and hand‑over.
• Establish contract strategies (EPC, EP+C) in collaboration with Legal, Procurement and Group functions.
• Provide governance and strategic oversight during delivery, ensuring safety, schedule, budget and quality targets are met.
• Manage interfaces with live operational environments and parallel programmes.
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across Operations, Technical, Legal, Finance and external partners.
• Maintain relationships with OEMs, contractors, consultants and technical advisors.

Required profile

• Proven track record delivering major capital projects in the cement industry or similar heavy‑industrial settings.
• 10+ years of leadership experience managing large teams and complex programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in contract strategy, risk management and project governance.
• Ability to influence senior and executive stakeholders.

Required skills

• Extensive experience in full‑lifecycle industrial project delivery.
• Deep technical understanding of cement production processes and associated technologies.
• Expertise in EPC and EP+C contract models.