Associate Director

Q1 2026 - IMMEDIATE

Associate Director

Dragonfly Projects is a boutique project management consultancy founded in 2022, built on a simple but uncompromising principle: deliver a director-level service on every instruction. We work with private, institutional and commercial clients across CAT A & CAT B office fit-out, mixed-use development, super-prime residential and international infrastructure. We're growing - and we're looking for the right person to grow with us.

Dragonfly Projects services a range of private, institutional and commercial clients across varying sectors, since its foundation in 2022. We are continuing to grow, supporting clients across the delivery of commercial office space, mixed use, private and institutional residential as well as advising on international infrastructure projects.

We pride ourselves on client and employee retention. We provide a director level of service at all times. We act as an extension of our clients businesses and seek to drive successful outcomes to suit all aspects of the client's needs, and best value results on each and every project.

The Role

You will act as an Associate Director for Dragonfly Projects, joining the founder, Freddie Edwards, as we begin to build out the team, to support on instructions for our clients, as well as supporting the growth of the business.

As an Associate Director at Dragonfly Projects, you will work closely with the founder, Freddie Edwards, and Project Director, Sam Wilton, as we continue to grow the team and deliver an expanding pipeline of client instructions. You will take responsibility for leading projects independently day-to-day, with support from our Senior Project Manager, Charlie Smith, and from Freddie and Sam where required.

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with well-known clients across multiple sectors, initially focused on CAT A & CAT B office schemes and super-prime residential projects, while helping shape the ongoing development of the business.

You must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate a proven track record of project delivery and industry knowledge, and be confident building client relationships quickly. Our ethos is to act as an extension of our clients’ businesses, driving positive outcomes and delivering best-value results on every project.

The role requires a strategic thinker who is self-motivated, commercially aware and able to work collaboratively with clients, professional teams and contracting partners, with excellent communication skills and strong levels of initiative.

Mindset & Culture

As a growing boutique consultancy, Dragonfly Projects operates with a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial culture. The successful candidate will be comfortable working within a small, ambitious team where individuals take ownership, support one another and actively contribute to the development of the business.

This role requires someone who is motivated by the opportunity to help build a respected consultancy, is prepared to go the extra mile for clients and colleagues, and takes pride in delivering a consistently high level of service.

Key Responsibilities

As an Associate Director, you will be expected to operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability. You will take ownership of projects and client relationships from instruction through to completion, ensuring that Dragonfly Projects delivers the highest possible standard of service.

You will also play an active role in supporting the growth of the practice, contributing to business development, mentoring colleagues and helping maintain Dragonfly’s reputation for exceptional service delivery.

Project Activities

Act as the lead project manager on projects, from inception to completion, being the main point of contact for the client, professional team and contractors
Oversee and manage all phases of construction projects, ensuring adherence to budgets, schedules, and quality standards
Consult and engage with client team to define the project brief
Advise the client on the need to appoint other consultants. Issue of RFP's and recommendations for appointment
Coordinate and monitor consultants discharge their services to Employer
Manage Dragonfly actions, ensuring all services discharged to client, per agreed scopes on project, whilst remaining agile to tailor service day to day to suit client requirements
Administer project process documents, i.e. develop weekly action trackers to oversee and manage the team
Prepare the project programme with team’s input, monitor progress and provide weekly updates
Arrange and chair project team meetings, client catch ups and design team meetings, to review progress and key issues, including the preparation of agenda and minutes of meetings

Project Activities

Act as the lead project manager on projects, from inception to completion, being the main point of contact for the client, professional team and contractors
Oversee and manage all phases of construction projects, ensuring adherence to budgets, schedules, and quality standards
Consult and engage with client team to define the project brief
Advise the client on the need to appoint other consultants. Issue of RFP's and recommendations for appointment
Coordinate and monitor consultants discharge their services to Employer
Manage Dragonfly actions, ensuring all services discharged to client, per agreed scopes on project, whilst remaining agile to tailor service day to day to suit client requirements
Administer project process documents, i.e. develop weekly action trackers to oversee and manage the team
Prepare the project programme with team’s input, monitor progress and provide weekly updates
Arrange and chair project team meetings, client catch ups and design team meetings, to review progress and key issues, including the preparation of agenda and minutes of meetings
Issue regular updates to client, weekly or monthly, as far as reasonably required, using the Dragonfly templates
Obtain client instructions in relation to the project and development of design information
Knowledge and ability to advise client and team upon various procurement routes. Ability to implement
Collation and submission of monthly invoices from the team and each of the consultants for the duration of the project
Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, address issues, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards

Leadership & Team Contribution

Work closely with the Founder and Project Director to support the continued growth and strategic development of Dragonfly Projects
Contribute positively to the culture and direction of a small, high-performing team
Provide guidance and support to junior team members, helping to develop their technical capability and client management skills
Demonstrate leadership through example, maintaining the high standards of professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail that underpin Dragonfly’s service delivery
Act as a trusted senior member of the team who can step in to support colleagues and maintain continuity for clients when required

Dragonfly Internal

Ensure all project documentation is maintained accurately and is accessible for auditing and review purposes
Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to the overall growth and development of the consultancy

Business & Client Development

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and agents across the industry
Actively identify opportunities to secure new instructions for Dragonfly Projects through personal contacts and industry engagement
Support the preparation of proposals, fee submissions and pitch materials
Contribute to the company’s pipeline by leveraging personal networks and maintaining regular contact with key industry stakeholders
Attend industry events, networking functions and client meetings to promote the business and develop new opportunities
Work alongside the Founder and senior team to convert opportunities into secured instructions

Skills & Qualifications

Demonstrable industry network and professional relationships within the construction and property sector
Experience developing client relationships and contributing to the securing of new project instructions
Ability to represent the consultancy credibly in front of senior client stakeholders
Proven experience managing projects from concept to completion, with a deep understanding of construction processes and methodologies
Self-motivated, focused and driven to achieve results
Positive attitude, strong work ethic and collaborative in style. Commercial aptitude
Clear, precise and confident in verbal and written communication to support credibility and position of expertise
Proficiency in project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project & Microsoft Office)
Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field
8-12+ years’ experience within construction project management or a related consultancy environment

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to play a key role in the growth of a boutique consultancy with ambitious plans for expansion
Direct exposure to senior clients and high-profile commercial and residential projects
Ability to influence the direction of the business and contribute to shaping a modern consultancy model
Collaborative team environment where individuals have genuine autonomy and impact
Competitive salary (£70k–£90k), discretionary bonus, pension and Third Space membership

Application

Please email a CV & background summary to hello@dragonflyprojects.uk.