Willmott Dixon

Case Study: Director Development Programme

For over two decades, we have partnered with and supported their leadership pipeline, particularly in helping senior managers transition into director-level roles. Our relationship includes facilitating construction board sessions and contributing to regional leadership meetings as needed.

The path from senior management to directorship has evolved significantly due to shifting strategic demands and regulatory pressures. Our client recognised the need to equip emerging leaders with both interpersonal and strategic capabilities to lead at the highest levels.

To support these aims we co-designed a robust four-day, face-to-face leadership development module that blends experiential learning with real-world application and strategic thinking. Key features included:

• Outdoor team exercises to promote trust, resilience, and collaboration
• Actor-led workshops focused on interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and presence
• Facilitated peer discussions to reflect on leadership challenges and shared experience
• Integrated business projects, launched prior to the module and sustained throughout the programme

The business project element ensured continuous learning. Delegates collaborated on strategic issues relevant to the organisation, receiving regular guidance and culminating in a final presentation to a senior panel.

We played an integral role in shaping and evaluating these projects—ensuring they reinforced module learning and aligned with WD’s strategic direction.

Delegates not only built their leadership skills but also had the opportunity to present directly to the board, gaining high-level visibility and feedback. This experience helped embed their confidence, align them with business strategy, and prepare them for director-level impact within the organisation and the wider construction industry.