Director of Project Execution

SD (Middle East) LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 440,000 - 588,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative solutions in airport logistics is seeking a Director of Project Execution. This role requires over 10 years of experience in complex engineering delivery, management of stakeholder relationships, and strong capabilities in site execution and commissioning within dynamic airport environments. Candidates must be fluent in English and possess strong leadership and project governance skills. This position will be crucial for ensuring successful project delivery across the UAE and KSA regions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years delivering complex engineering/automation/site projects.
• Proven leadership in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong experience in airport BHS and CHS/automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of airport BHS/CHS programs.
• Serve as senior client and stakeholder lead.
• Own the full lifecycle from requirements through handover.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing communication

Project governance

Risk management

Team building

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

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.

What are my 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.

What do I need to qualify for the role?

• 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.