what is a project director?
As a project director, you lead a team of developers, project managers and other workers essential to a project. Since you have prior expertise in project management, you can guide and direct project teams in the activities and risks of a project. You make critical decisions like adjusting project budgets and resources. You also receive regular reports from management teams on the project's progress. The job involves keeping executives informed on project development and requesting additional resources.
Your job as a project director is strategic and tactical rather than managing teams. That means your decisions and project approach should align with broader organisational goals. You also assess risks and advise the management on strategies to avoid them.
When your project manager is handling a complex project, you assist in formulating strategic and operational plans. Your job is to report on financial and programme milestones to ensure internal and external stakeholders are informed of progress, deviations from plans and risks. You also work with project managers to handle issues and organise technical reinforcements and interventions to minimise risks.
Would working as a project director suit your leadership and supervisory skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a project director role.
project director jobsaverage project director salary
The median salary of a project director according to ONS is £75,000 per year. Entry-level project directors enjoy a salary of £57,530 annually. When you have many years of experience and transferrable skills, your compensation package is over £92,500 per year. As a project director, you receive many benefits to facilitate your role. Some companies provide transport and housing allowances. You may also receive medical and life insurance covers and overseas travel and accommodation expenses. You also receive generous bonuses for successful projects in the company.
how can I increase my salary as a project director?
Project directors' salaries often depend on their skills, experience and educational level. With a degree, you are likely to earn less than someone with a master's degree and additional certifications. The transferrable skills and years of experience also influence your salary. If you have worked as a project manager in a similar industry, you can bring a fresh perspective to the company and speed up the achievement of strategic goals.
When looking for a better salary, check out top industries with a high demand for project directors. For instance, working in a technology or manufacturing company is likely to be lucrative compared to other sectors. The company's size also impacts your pay since multinationals can pay better salaries than small start-ups.
types of project directors
Some of the types of project directors include:
- marketing project director: as a marketing project director, you coordinate various projects to promote the company's products. You also ensure the projects align with organisational goals.
- construction project director: you lead and direct construction teams to accomplish projects on time. You also monitor and manage risks associated with the projects. As the project director, you should keep clients and stakeholders updated on the project's progress.
- information technology (it) project director: your role is to manage various aspects of IT projects and ensure the realisation of the company's strategy by completing the projects.
- engineering project director: as a project director in engineering, you work with project managers to plan and coordinate the development of new designs, products and processes. You also help teams secure the necessary resources for the execution of projects.
working as a project director
A project director is a leader whose focus is achieving organisational goals through project implementation. Let's explore the specific responsibilities and career progression you can expect in this role.
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project director job description
While the tasks vary depending on the industry and employer, a project director generally does the following:
- coordinating the tasks of various workers: as a project director, you ensure workers accomplish the required tasks. You work with project managers to ensure all teams have the necessary resources to complete their tasks.
- developing a timeline: since you supervise the execution of substantial projects, you need to create a timeline for completing a specific milestone in every team. While you don't create the schedule for each team, you ensure they are making progress. You also develop a timeline for the entire project and keep executives updated on schedule changes.
- creating a budget and approving expenditure: as a project director, you manage the budgets of all projects in a company. You create the budgets and monitor the amount spent on particular tasks. You also approve the disbursement of funds to various teams.
- recommending changes to a project: when a project isn't producing the expected results, you need to recommend changes. It's your job to ensure investors don't waste money on unsuccessful projects. You can develop an alternate course of action and seek approval from the executive to execute the changes.
- making presentations to investors and stakeholders: as a project director, you protect the interests of investors and business partners. You also ensure they are updated on the progress of the projects. Sometimes, you have to make presentations to stakeholders, especially when notable milestones are met.
- reviewing project reports from various teams: as a project director, you receive regular progress reports from project teams. You need to review the reports and develop a summary to present to the executive team. You also give feedback on areas of improvement that can boost the achievement of project goals.
- monitoring project financial status: it is essential to keep an eye on the expenditures incurred for every project. The expenses should be reasonable and allowable. You also review the financial statements related to specific projects.
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work environment
As a project director, you can work in an office environment or outdoors. While you spend most of your time in the boardroom and client meetings, you may also work outdoors when you check projects' status. Sometimes, you work from a factory, construction site or field when managing agricultural projects. You need to visit the work site regularly to ensure the work is progressing as expected. That means that sometimes you will work in harsh weather conditions or noisy and dusty workspaces in outdoor environments. It is important to wear protective clothing in outdoor environments and professional attire in offices.
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who are your colleagues?
As a project director, you work in various industries, and your colleagues may include positions like site administrator, project managers, product manager positions and construction product managers. You are also likely to work with quantity surveyors and contractors, as well as other specialists, including accountants, finance managers and contracts managers.
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work schedule
Project directors work long hours since they have to juggle multiple projects. Full-time roles take between 40 and 50 hours a week. While you can meet clients and do site visits within regular work hours, some meetings extend to evenings. When you travel overseas, you may have to work weekends and late nights to meet your deadlines. Part-time positions are rare since the role has many responsibilities. While you can work remotely, you have to attend meetings and do site visits occasionally.
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job outlook
Project directors are common in the construction and IT industries that handle multiple projects concurrently. Most project directors begin their careers as project managers and have hands-on experience managing projects. From the position of a project director, you can become a product manager or join the top-level executive as an operations manager or the company's vice president.
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advantages of finding a project director job through randstad
Finding your project director job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a project director is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Become a project director with the following qualifications:
- university degree: a project director must have at least a bachelor's degree in business management or project management. A degree in another relevant subject can also get you into the role. For instance, you should pursue a degree in computer science or construction management if you plan to work in the IT or construction industries. An MBA also improves your credentials.
- work experience: as a project director, you need prior experience in project management with well-developed, hands-on skills. You can join internships and start with entry-level jobs in project management.
project director skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a good project director include:
- excellent communicator: as a project director, you need to communicate clearly and effectively. Communication skills help you articulate the project's goals and visions. You should also express your expectations to the workers and give constructive feedback.
- enthusiastic: as a leader, your energy affects your team. If you are pessimistic, you will send your team into a downward spiral. You need to portray the positivity and enthusiasm that helps to motivate and inspire your teams.
- problem solver: in every project, you need to anticipate hitches along the way. Your job is to solve the problems and ensure they don't affect the project goals. If a project needs additional resources, you have to anticipate and acquire them to avoid delays.
- delegator: as a project director, you delegate many tasks to the right individuals. You need to recognise the personal strengths of each team and assign the tasks accordingly. Delegating tasks also demonstrates the trust you have in your team.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a project director
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is a project director higher than a project manager?
Yes. A project director manages complex and massive projects broken down into smaller ones, while a manager focuses on a single project. Want to learn more about working as a project director? Then check out this article.
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how do I become a project director?
You can become a project director through a degree course in project management. You also need prior work experience in project management. Want to learn more about working as a project director? Then check out this article.
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what is the difference between a project director and a programme director?
A project director handles large projects broken down into specific project phases, while a programme director supervises multiple complex projects in an organisation. Want to learn more about working as a project director? Then check out this article.
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what is an executive project director?
Executive project directors oversee the planning and execution of projects. They oversee project quality and budgeting. Want to learn more about working as a project director? Then check out this article.
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what is the role of the project director?
A project director develops and implements massive projects with the help of various teams. They also ensure the project achieves the strategic goals of a company. Want to learn more about working as a project director? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a project director vacancy?
Applying for a project director job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our project director job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
