Join Our Team at Dalton Consulting Engineers (DCE)

Who We Are

Dalton Consulting Engineers (DCE) is a privately owned, values-driven civil engineering consultancy with strengths in Urban Development, Urban Infrastructure and Sport. We partner with leading developers, councils and private clients to deliver practical, innovative and commercially sound outcomes.

We are recognised for our inclusive culture, technical excellence and genuine career pathways. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a strategic and commercially astute Project Director to help lead our next phase.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role for an experienced civil engineering professional who combines technical depth with strong commercial capability and people leadership.

As Project Director, you will lead complex and high-value projects, mentor senior engineers and Project Managers, and contribute to the strategic growth and performance of the business.

You will:

• Lead the delivery of complex civil and land development projects from concept through to completion
• Take ownership of project performance across scope, program, budget, quality and risk
• Act as the senior client interface on key accounts
• Mentor and develop Project Managers
• Contribute to business strategy, operational performance and sustainable growth
• Support disciplined project governance and commercial accountability

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building high-performing teams, strengthening systems, and delivering consistent excellence at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Commercial Leadership

• Direct and oversee multiple concurrent projects
• Maintain accountability for fee forecasting, WIP management and margin performance
• Ensure disciplined scope management and variation control
• Lead project risk reviews and ensure regulatory compliance
• Oversee sub-consultant engagement and performance

Client & Market Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships
• Identify cross-selling and repeat work opportunities
• Support major bids and proposal submissions
• Represent DCE at stakeholder meetings and industry forums

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, coach and mentor senior technical staff
• Drive accountability and high delivery standards
• Contribute to recruitment and workforce planning
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-focused team environment aligned with DCE’s values

Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure projects align with DCE’s quality management systems
• Strengthen project controls, reporting and commercial discipline
• Contribute to Executive and Board-level reporting on major projects

About You

Essential

• 12+ years’ experience in civil engineering (land development or infrastructure preferred)
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary project teams
• Strong commercial management capability (budgets, forecasting, margin control)
• Demonstrated client relationship management experience
• Civil Engineering Degree
• CPEng or working toward chartership

Highly Regarded

• Experience working with local councils and regulatory authorities
• Established industry network in Victoria
• Experience contributing to business strategy or operational improvement initiatives

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and staggered hours
• Modern, sustainable Richmond office with riverside views and access to cafes, gyms, and local amenities
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partnership with Engineers Australia to support Chartered status
• Enhanced paid parental leave and employee referral bonuses
• Regular milestone celebrations, recognition programs, and social events
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including flu vaccinations and corporate dental programs
• Seasonal in-office events, team lunches, and Friday food and drinks
• End-of-trip facilities including showers, lockers, and bike racks

• Lead the delivery of complex civil and land development projects from concept through to completion
• Take ownership of project performance across scope, program, budget, quality and risk
• Act as the senior client interface on key accounts
• Mentor and develop Project Managers
• Contribute to business strategy, operational performance and sustainable growth
• Support disciplined project governance and commercial accountability
• Direct and oversee multiple concurrent projects
• Maintain accountability for fee forecasting, WIP management and margin performance
• Ensure disciplined scope management and variation control
• Lead project risk reviews and ensure regulatory compliance
• Oversee sub-consultant engagement and performance
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships
• Identify cross-selling and repeat work opportunities
• Support major bids and proposal submissions
• Represent DCE at stakeholder meetings and industry forums
• Lead, coach and mentor senior technical staff
• Drive accountability and high delivery standards
• Contribute to recruitment and workforce planning
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-focused team environment aligned with DCE’s values
• Ensure projects align with DCE’s quality management systems
• Strengthen project controls, reporting and commercial discipline
• Contribute to Executive and Board-level reporting on major projects

• Commercial management
• Client relationship management
• Team leadership
• Project governance
• Risk management
• Scope management
• Budget management
• Forecasting
• Margin control
• Mentoring
• Strategic thinking
• Operational performance improvement
• Sustainable growth contribution
• Regulatory compliance
• Stakeholder engagement
• Industry networking

• 12+ years’ experience in civil engineering (land development or infrastructure preferred)
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary project teams
• Strong commercial management capability (budgets, forecasting, margin control)
• Demonstrated client relationship management experience
• Civil Engineering Degree
• CPEng or working toward chartership
• Experience working with local councils and regulatory authorities
• Established industry network in Victoria
• Experience contributing to business strategy or operational improvement initiatives