Director – Marine & Coastal Infrastructure

Are you an experienced leader in infrastructure delivery, with a passion for marine and coastal projects? Here’s a unique opportunity to spearhead and shape a brand-new team dedicated to marine and coastal infrastructure within a respected multi-discipline consultancy. You’ll have full ownership of building the team, shaping the strategy, and winning work across the UK’s coastlines.

The Opportunity

Join a forward-thinking consultancy with a strong presence across the built-environment sector. We are now launching a specialised marine & coastal infrastructure practice and seek a Director who can lead, grow and inspire a high-performing team. Based in Winchester, Plymouth or Southampton, you will navigate a variety of projects including port upgrades, coastal protection schemes, harbour infrastructure, flood-defence works and offshore support facilities.

This is a strategic leadership role combining business development, team management and project delivery. You’ll build the capability from the ground up, establish a brand in the marine sector, and ensure excellence in delivery, profitability and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a new Marine & Coastal Infrastructure team from recruitment to deployment
• Own business growth: client development, bid leadership, market positioning and strategic growth planning
• Deliver major infrastructure programmes ports, maritime, coastal defences, flood resilience ensuring on-time, on-budget, high-quality outcomes
• Manage and mentor senior project managers and associates, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture
• Provide leadership across technical, commercial and operational disciplines, guiding teams through design, procurement, construction and commissioning phases
• Maintain strong client relationships at board/executive level, acting as trusted advisor on marine infrastructure and coastal resilience
• Champion innovation, sustainability and resilience in the marine environment, aligning with regulatory and environmental frameworks

About You

You are a senior infrastructure professional ideally with a strong portfolio in marine/coastal environments equipped to lead at Director level and take ownership of a business unit.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Substantial experience delivering marine, port, harbour or coastal flood-defence infrastructure projects in the UK
• Proven leadership of multi-discipline teams, with accountability for P&L, growth and delivery excellence
• Demonstrable success in business development and client relationship management you win work and increase market share
• Technical credibility across marine/coastal engineering, construction delivery and asset resilience
• Strategically minded, commercially astute, able to align technical teams with business objectives
• Degree qualified in engineering, project management or a related discipline; chartered status (CEng, ICE, RICS, APM or equivalent) preferred
• Excellent communicator, networker and influencer — comfortable engaging with clients, contractors and stakeholders at senior levels
• Willingness to travel across the UK coast as project demands dictate

Why Apply?

This is your chance to build something significant and lasting. You’ll join a consultancy investing in your leadership, supporting your ambition, and rewarding you for success. Based in a shell-style base (Winchester, Plymouth or Southampton) you’ll benefit from regional flexibility, a strong support network, and access to a diverse project pipeline in a growing market.

Competitive salary, executive benefits and clear progression this role offers both strategic impact and personal fulfilment in the marine infrastructure space.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, contact Caroline Kingsley Email: caroline@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk Phone: 07768 381 831