Project Development Lead (London, Central, GB) bei Associated British Ports

Project Development Lead

Location: Flexible within the UK
Function: Major Projects
Reports to: Head of Programme (FPT)

Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK’s leading ports group, playing a vital role in Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition. With 21 ports, 87km of quay, and 5,000 hectares of port estate, we handle over 100 million tonnes of cargo annually and support more than half of the UK’s offshore wind capacity.

We are now seeking a Project Development Lead to join our Major Projects team, which is responsible for delivering complex, high-value infrastructure projects that shape the future of UK trade and energy.

The Role

As Project Development Lead, you will:

• Lead the Strategic Definition (Stage 0) and Feasibility (Stage 1) phases of major infrastructure projects (£20m–£200m+).
• Collaborate with commercial and property teams to shape project opportunities and establish robust delivery foundations.
• Champion project management best practice across the full lifecycle of ABP’s major project portfolio.
• Influence strategic decisions and engage with senior stakeholders across ABP and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a pipeline of major project opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs to optimise business case viability.
• Establish and lead Project Steering Committees during feasibility stages.
• Drive clarity in scope, stakeholder requirements, and execution planning.
• Lead the implementation of consistent project management principles across ABP.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven experience developing capital infrastructure projects >£100m.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Hands-on, delivery-focused approach with a passion for value creation.
• Experience in port, supply chain, or industrial environments.
• Willingness to travel across UK project locations.

Desirable:

• Project management qualification.
• 15+ years of post-graduate project management experience.
• Client-side experience and understanding of environmental consenting.

Ready to shape the future of UK infrastructure?
Apply now and be part of a team that’s powering Britain’s trade and energy transition.

Why Join ABP?

At ABP, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to sustainability, innovation, and community impact. We offer a collaborative environment, exciting career development opportunities, and the chance to work on projects that truly make a difference.

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels