Director of Project Execution

Vanderlande; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative logistics solutions is seeking a Director of Project Execution in Dubai. The role involves managing the delivery of complex airport baggage handling systems and customer satisfaction across the UAE and KSA region. Applicants should have over 10 years in engineering projects, proven leadership in multi-stakeholder settings, and strong expertise in automation systems. This full-time position offers significant responsibilities including team building and project governance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years delivering complex engineering/automation/site projects.
• 5+ years leading large project portfolios/programs.
• Proven leadership in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong experience in airport BHS and CHS/automation systems.
• Solid understanding of automation integration environments.
• Willingness to travel and operate in dynamic airport environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of airport BHS/CHS programs.
• Serve as senior client and stakeholder lead.
• Own the full lifecycle from installation to handover.
• Drive strong project governance and manage portfolio performance.
• Ensure effective site execution in live airport environments.
• Ensure effective site execution in live airport environments, including M&E installation, upgrades, brownfield works, and system interface management.
• Ensure compliance with airport/site regulations, Vanderlande standards, and contractual obligations; maintain audit‑ready documentation and reporting.
• Lead successful handovers to Life‑Cycle Services, ensuring continuity, training, spares, warranty transition, and sign‑off.
• Build and lead high‑performing teams through coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Client communication

Engineering coordination

Risk management

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

MS Office

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Together we make the difference

We are a leading provider of innovative and high-performance solutions for airport logistics. Our portfolio includes products and solutions for baggage and cargo handling, high‑end software for the digitalization of logistics processes as well as an extensive range of maintenance and services. Major customers include renowned airports and airlines around the globe.

We are looking for an experienced Director of Project Execution to lead the delivery of complex BHS and CHS programs, with strong ownership of site execution, commissioning/ORAT readiness, customer satisfaction, and stakeholder management across the UAE and KSA region.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end delivery of airport BHS/CHS programs, ensuring safe, on‑budget, contract‑compliant execution.
• Serve as senior client and stakeholder lead, aligning airport authorities/operators, consultants/PMCs, contractors, and internal teams.
• Own the full lifecycle from requirements and engineering coordination through installation, integration, testing, commissioning, ORAT, and handover to Service.
• Drive strong project governance (steerco, reviews, workshops), ensuring clear decisions, actions, and follow‑up.
• Manage portfolio performance across multi‑site/multi‑country matrix teams; control KPIs, risk, change, and escalations, including recovery/turnaround when needed.
• Ensure effective site execution in live airport environments, including M&E installation, upgrades, brownfield works, and system interface management.
• Ensure compliance with airport/site regulations, Vanderlande standards, and contractual obligations; maintain audit‑ready documentation and reporting.
• Lead successful handovers to Life‑Cycle Services, ensuring continuity, training, spares, warranty transition, and sign‑off.
• Build and lead high‑performing teams through coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years delivering complex engineering/automation/site projects; 5+ years leading large project portfolios/programs.
• Proven leadership in multi‑stakeholder environments with strong client‑facing and executive communication capability.
• Strong experience in airport BHS and CHS/automation systems including site execution and commissioning; exposure to ORAT is a plus.
• Solid understanding of automation integration environments (mechanical/electrical, PLC/SCADA/controls, interfaces).
• Strong commercial and contractual discipline: change control, risk/opportunity management, claims awareness.
• Proficient in project tools (e.g., MS Project/Primavera, MS Office; Jira/Confluence is a plus).
• Willingness to travel and operate in dynamic airport environments.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Automation Machinery Manufacturing

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