Head of Projects

Head of Projects - Business Unit South Location:

UK Wide Accounts

Reports to:

Business Unit Director

Role Purpose

The Head of Projects will lead the Projects function within their assigned Business Unit at ParetoFM. Responsible for all project delivery activity within the Business Unit, covering capital works, lifecycle, refurbishments, and fit outs. The role ensures projects are delivered safely on time, to budget, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

The postholder will work closely with the leadership team, as well as the central Commercial, Procurement, and Finance functions, to ensure projects contribute positively to Business Unit growth, margin delivery, and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Business Unit Integration

• Lead the Business Unit projects team, setting clear objectives, managing performance, and developing capability
• Align project delivery with the overall strategy and operational model
• Act as a senior member of the Business Unit management team, contributing to strategy, planning, and client development

Project Delivery

• Oversee delivery of all Business Unit projects (typically £50k-£2m) from inception to completion
• Ensure robust controls are applied across programme, scope, budget, quality, risk, and health & safety
• Drive innovation, sustainability, and ESG commitments within project execution

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the Business Unit's senior projects contact for key client accounts
• Work with Business Development and Operations to support project bids, tenders, and proposals
• Build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners

Commercial & Financial Management

• Ensure projects achieve agreed BU financial targets and margins
• Manage cost plans, forecasts, cash flow, and reporting in collaboration with Finance and Commercial
• Apply best practice procurement and contract management

Governance & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with statutory and company H&S standards, embedding a zero-harm culture
• Provide accurate, timely BU reporting to the Business Unit Director and Group COO
• Ensure adherence to Pareto's project governance and risk management frameworks

Key skills & experiences

• Significant experience delivering projects within Facilities Management, engineering, or construction
• Strong track record of managing project teams in a Business Unit, regional, or account context
• Solid commercial acumen with proven ability to deliver margin and cash performance
• Excellent stakeholder management, client-facing confidence, and communication skills
• Good knowledge of project methodologies, CDM Regulations, and statutory compliance
• Chartered (RICS, CIOB, CIBSE) or working towards desirable
• Project management qualification (APM, PRINCE2) an advantage