Director of Project Execution

Vanderlande Industries GmbH; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of airport logistics solutions is seeking an experienced Director of Project Execution to lead complex BHS and CHS programs across the UAE and KSA. The role involves overseeing end-to-end project delivery, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing multi-site teams. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in engineering projects, strong leadership skills, and a client-focused approach. The company offers a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the airport sector.

Qualifications

• 10+ years delivering complex engineering/automation/site projects.
• 5+ years leading large project portfolios/programs.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of airport BHS/CHS programs.
• Serve as senior client and stakeholder lead.
• Drive strong project governance.
• Ensure effective site execution in live airport environments.

Skills

Leadership in multi-stakeholder environments

Client-facing communication

Project management tools proficiency

Understanding of automation integration

Risk and opportunity management

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.