Principal Contracting (=Turnkey) Lead

Turner & Townsend delivers impactful programmes across consultancy, project delivery, and post‑project operations, with a global footprint of 229 offices in 75 countries. Through our Global Enterprise team, we partner with multinational organisations to optimise real‑estate portfolios, working closely with CBRE to deliver integrated, end‑to‑end solutions across multiple sectors.

Job Description

This role is a senior leadership position within the Principal Contracting (=Turnkey) Team, responsible for leading Principal Contracting Projects within the Delivery Area. The role drives growth, operational excellence, and exceptional client service while shaping the future direction of the Principal Contracting team.

Key Purpose of the Role

As a Principal Contracting Delivery Lead, you will:

• Lead and grow Turner & Townsend’s Principal Contracting Delivery client base, services, and solutions
• Take full accountability for projects delivered under the Principal Contracting Delivery model, managing budget, schedule, quality, and risk
• Build strong partnerships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, high‑quality outcomes
• Contribute to strategic growth, financial performance, and talent development across the Principal Contracting business

In this context, T&T’s Principal Contracting Delivery model plays a critical role, where we contract directly with our clients and downstream vendors, taking on the management and allocation of risk for budget, schedule, and quality. As a Principal Contracting Delivery expert, you will facilitate all administrative, procurement, and payment processes for suppliers, ensuring seamless execution and optimal outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Risk

• Deliver Principal Contracting Projects on time, on budget, and to high quality standards
• Manage commercial, contractual, and operational risk
• Lead procurement, supplier management, and payment processes

Growth & Commercial Leadership

• Identify, develop, and secure new project opportunities (up to £7m p.a.)
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of future work
• Support bids, tenders, and proposals, including solution development and presentations
• Contribute to marketing and thought leadership (case studies)

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build trusted relationships with clients, partners, subcontractors, and CBRE leadership
• Collaborate with Country Leadership, Sector Leads, and Project Management leaders
• Act as a senior client‑facing representative of Turner & Townsend

Financial & Business Management

• Own project P&L and financial performance
• Develop and manage project business plans and forecasts
• Ensure strong cash flow, margin performance, and reporting

People & Leadership

• Lead, develop, and grow high‑performing project teams
• Recruit, onboard, and manage talent, including performance reviews
• Build succession plans and capability aligned to future business needs

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and health & safety standards
• Conduct regular audits and reviews

Qualifications

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years’ project management experience within a Principal Project Management Delivery environment
• 5+ years’ experience developing new project opportunities
• Proven P&L ownership and commercial management experience
• Strong supply chain and vendor management expertise
• Experience leading bids, tenders, and proposals
• Fluent in German and English

Personal Attributes

• Strong communicator and relationship builder
• Commercially focused and results driven
• High integrity and professionalism
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and self‑aware
• Able to inspire confidence with clients and teams