Head of Construction & Development

Head of Construction & Development

SolvTalent has been retained by one of the UK’s fastest-growing, multi-site hospitality businesses to appoint a Head of Construction & Development.

With an ambitious growth strategy, a significant new-site pipeline and continued investment across its existing estate, this is an opportunity to take strategic leadership of a substantial national development programme.

You’ll oversee 60+ projects annually and £20–25m of CapEx, leading an established Project Management team responsible for delivering new openings, refurbishments and wider estate investment.

Importantly, this isn’t a role for someone who wants to personally manage every project.

We’re looking for a leader who can develop the function, empower the team and improve how projects are delivered.

The opportunity

You’ll take responsibility for:

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• Leading, coaching and developing an established Project Management team
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• Providing strategic oversight across 60+ annual development projects
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• Owning CapEx planning, forecasting and commercial performance
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• Improving project governance, processes and delivery efficiency
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• Developing procurement, contractor and consultant strategies
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• Influencing design standards and the evolution of future site concepts
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• Working closely with Property, Operations, Finance, Brand and executive leadership
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Who are we looking for?

You’ll already be operating in a senior Construction, Development, Projects or Capital Projects position within a multi-site organisation.

Experience within hospitality, retail, leisure or food & beverage would be advantageous, although we're equally interested in candidates from other fast-paced, customer-facing multi-site environments.

More important is your ability to demonstrate:

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• Leadership of high-performing project teams
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• Delivery of complex, high-volume capital programmes
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• Strong commercial and cost-management capability
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• Evidence of improving processes and ways of working
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• The ability to operate strategically rather than becoming consumed by individual projects
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• Credibility with senior and executive stakeholders
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This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to shape how an ambitious, growing organisation builds, invests and develops its estate for the future.

For a confidential conversation, apply directly or contact Steve Brandsma at SolvTalent.