Head of Projects
Preston / Manchester / Liverpool
We are seeking an ambitious and technically strong Head of Projects as a key succession move within the business.
This is a genuine leadership position, not relabelled senior PM role. The incoming leader will take ownership of an establish and successful Project Management Service with live work, strong client relationships and capable team already in place.
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will help shape AG’s direction and performance while embedding consistency across three offices. For the right person, there is a clear pathway to Management Board participation and equity.
Who this role suits
This role is for either:-
An Associate Director ready to step into full service-line leadership for the first time.
An experienced Director seeking a role with genuine authority, long-term equity potential and strategic influence.
What matters most isn’t your current job title - it’s your ability to lead, challenge and own outcomes.
Why this Role exists:-
AG’s Project Management Service is a core part of our business, with strong client relationships and a growing pipeline. As we evolve, this role is required to:-
Take ownership of a maturing service line and drive consistency of delivery.
Lead the team through continued growth without dilution of standards.
Strengthen cross-office collaboration and break down silos.
Develop and retain talent while building future leaders within the team.
Act as a senior voice within AG’s leadership and decision-making structure.
This is a handover of responsibility - not a blank-sheet role.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Client Relationships and Business Development
Ownership of achieving the Project Management Sales Target, with clear oversight of pipeline, conversion and forecasting.
Maintain and strengthen Key Client Relationships.
Drive growth through repeat work and client satisfaction.
Collaborate closely with AG’s Sales and Marketing Team.
Be visible in the market through networking, events and client engagement.
Contribute to the strategic direction and positioning of the Project Management Service.
Service Line Leadership
Full ownership of AG’s Project Management Service Line.
Lead, develop and retain a high-performing project delivery team.
Set clear expectations around delivery, quality, behaviour and accountability.
Mentor and develop future leaders within the team.
Drive consistency of approach across offices and teams.
Project Delivery Excellence
Lead or oversee AG’s most strategic and complex commissions.
Act as escalation point for delivery or performance issues.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, to specification and exceed client expectations.
Implement and maintain robust project processes, systems and controls.
Manage delivery risk proactively and protect service-line reputation.
Cross Office Collaboration
Break down silos and drive collaboration across Preston, Manchester and Liverpool Offices.
Ensure project teams operate as one unified service, not three separate offices.
Foster knowledge sharing and best practice across the team.
Work collaboratively with other service line heads (Building Surveying, QS, H&S, M&DC).
Leadership & Governance
Operate as a senior leader within the business.
Contribute to wider business strategy and decision making.
Report to and work closely with the Commercial Director and Management Board.
Represent the Project Management Service at senior leadership level.
Authority & Autonomy
The Head of Projects will have:-
Authority over delivery approach within the service.
A direct voice in strategic and operations decisions.
The mandate to challenge internally and externally where needed.
Clear accountability for outcomes, not just activity.
This is a role for someone comfortable making, and standing behind, difficult decisions.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for a Building Surveyor-led Project Manager, not a pure PM.The ideal candidate will have a background in Building Surveying, with the technical confidence to advise clients, challenge design teams and contractors and lead projects from a position of construction knowledge - not simply manage processes and programme.We’re seeking an individual who:-
Could bring new sector experience.
Has strong Project Management credentials and credibility.
Leads with clarity, challenge and consistency.
Is comfortable holding others to account - and being held to account.
Thinks beyond individual projects to service-line performance and growth.
Is proactive, resilient and comfortable operating under pressure.
Is motivated by building something long-term, not just delivering work.
Can develop people while driving performance - mentorship and accountability go hand-in-hand.
Thrives on collaboration and breaking down silos across teams and offices.
Cultural Fit is Critical
At AG, we’re Built Different. We don’t do corporate BS and we won’t compromise our culture for growth.
Our Core Values are:-
We communicate clearly and effectively
We are clear, responsive and human in how we connect. We actively listen and keep people informed. It is better to over-communicate than not communicate enough.
We’re authentic and down to earth
When we are genuine and approachable, we are trusted. People can rely on us to be honest, practical and consistent. We want clients and colleagues to feel at ease with us so they can be themselves.
We build relationships
We invest time to understand and support both our clients and colleagues. Our relationships are built on reliability, respect, shared goals and a sense of being on the same team.
We deliver an excellent service
For us, it’s not only about technical delivery. It’s about creating a positive client experience every step of the way. We ensure we understand the client’s priorities and concerns and achieve their desired outcome.
We stay positive and engaged
We bring energy, encouragement and a sense of purpose to our work. We support each other, celebrate achievements and enjoy building a rewarding career together.
We need someone who protects these values, not dilutes them.
This role is NOT for:-
Corporate types who bring politics and bureaucracy.
People who avoid difficult conversations or shy away from accountability.
Leaders who manage by spreadsheet rather than by people.
Anyone who sees this as a stepping stone rather than a long-term commitment.
Benefits
Quality Salary, Car Allowance and Fuel Contribution
Performance Bonus Scheme - 12% of package
Equity Pathway - For the right candidate, realistic opportunity within 12-24 months
Management Board - Pathway to Board Membership (typically 12 months for the right candidate)
Working arrangements - Hybrid and flexible working across AG offices
Development - Training through the AG Academy, industry events and professional development support
Mobile Phone Contribution
Pension (5% employer, 5 employee) plus Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Internal recruitment referral fees:-
£2,500 for Associate Director / Senior Hires
£1,500 for Chartered Hires
£1,000 for Junior Hires
25 days Holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service
Holiday Buy / Sell Scheme
Private Healthcare Scheme
Professional Fees Paid
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
Paid Parking
Regular Team Social Events
Inclusive and supportive culture - One where you can actually be yourself!
This is a role for someone comfortable making, and standing behind, difficult decisions.
About Anderton Gables
Anderton Gables is a multi-disciplinary Building Consultancy with offices in Preston, Manchester and Liverpool. We offer Building Surveying, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Health and Safety and Measurement & Data Capture Services. We are award-winning, nationally recognised and work with blue-chip clients like Langtree, Mileway and Ocasa. But we’re not a national - we’re a North West business, built different.
We’re big enough to handle major projects, small enough to move fast. You’ll get honest. jargon-free leadership in an environment where you can actually be yourself.
Final Note
This is not a general senior PM role.
We’re looking for someone who:-
Owns outcomes, not just delivery.
Wants genuine leadership responsibility.
Sees this as a long-term role within the business.
Values culture as much as career progress.
If that sounds like you, let’s talk.
How to apply
Our AG People Promise is about creating an aligned, motivated, healthy and agile workplace in which you can thrive and be successful. In our search for the right talent to join our team, we focus on good people who together will be empowered to be the driver of their own progression – No stoppers and no red tape.
A combination of digital tools and in-person meetings gives us the opportunity to meet many fascinating talents and to find suitable solutions for every team. And of course, the best solution for you.
For further information or to apply for this role, please send your CV and Covering Letter to recruitment@andertongables.co.uk