Project Portfolio Director UK & Ireland - Cement

Project Portfolio Director – Cement (UK & Ireland)

Location: UK & Ireland (with travel)

Reporting to: Operations Director – Cement

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Project Portfolio Director to lead the development and delivery of a major capital investment programme across our UK & Ireland cement operations. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping, prioritising and governing a portfolio of large-scale, technically complex projects—from early‑stage concept through to execution and commissioning. Working closely with both business stakeholders and CRH Group functions, you will play a critical role in delivering key strategic initiatives that drive operational performance, sustainability and long‑term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and prioritise the UK & Ireland cement project portfolio aligned to strategic business objectives
• Lead the central strategic projects team (including 3 Senior Project Managers)
• Ensure robust governance across all phases of the project lifecycle
• Oversee development of projects from ideation through feasibility and business case approval
• Develop technical specifications, scope, budget, delivery strategies and risk mitigation plans
• Define contract strategies (EPC, EP+C, etc.) in collaboration with Legal, Procurement and Group functions
• Provide governance and strategic oversight during delivery, commissioning and handover
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to required quality standards
• Manage interfaces with live operational environments and parallel programmes
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across Operations, Technical, Legal, Finance and external partners
• Manage relationships with OEMs, contractors, consultants and technical advisors
• Establish clear reporting, communication and decision‑making frameworks

Key Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience delivering complex industrial projects across full lifecycle
• Strong technical understanding of cement production processes and associated technologies
• Commercial acumen with experience in contract strategy, risk management and project governance
• Demonstrable leadership experience (10+ years managing teams and programmes)
• Ability to influence at senior and executive level across a matrix organisation
• Strong communication skills, able to present complex concepts clearly and concisely

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong decision‑making capability
• Highly organised and results‑driven, with a focus on delivery
• Comfortable operating in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments
• Collaborative, credible and able to build trust across functions
• Willingness to travel across UK & Ireland and internationally as required

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced holiday entitlement
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
• Access to the Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
• Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc. (REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
• Training and development opportunities

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Tarmac is committed to being a Forces‑friendly employer. If you’re coming from a military background, we’ll support your transition and help you build a successful career with us. We’re proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to support you.