Quinn has now started in his new role as Balfour confirmed details of his planned share awards.

He will receive a maximum of 2,766,719 free shares in the company if the stock price hits 380p by the end of 2017 – the current price is 205p.

The deal could net Quinn a potential £10.5m on top of his basic £800,000 annual salary.

His first tranche of more than 950,000 shares will be handed over by this August to “compensate him for awards forfeited on leaving his previous employer.”

Balfour said the remainder of the award is “subject to performance conditions linked to Balfour Beatty’s total shareholder return.”

Quinn said: “In restoring the Company to strength I see a tremendous opportunity to deliver significant value for our customers, our people and our investors.

“Balfour Beatty is a world-leading brand with world-leading talent.

“The entire leadership team will be aligned and incentivised, as I am, on creating a high-performing business that is built to last.”