Executive Director, Special Projects

Atlantis Dubai; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

F&B privileges

Discounted rates at Kerzner properties

Health insurance (including dental)

Annual flights home

Life insurance

Incentive programme

Wellness & social initiatives

Job summary

Atlantis Dubai is seeking an Executive Director of Project Management to lead high-profile development, renovation, and capital projects across its luxury portfolio. You will guide delivery from concept to completion, coordinating internal stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to meet time, budget, and quality targets.

The role demands a seasoned leader with deep UAE market experience, outstanding stakeholder management, and a proven track record in large-scale hospitality projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of project management experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience working in Dubai or the UAE market.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale hospitality, mixed-use, or luxury development projects.
• Extensive experience managing project timelines, budgets, risk, procurement, and contractor performance.
• Strong knowledge of tendering processes, contract administration, and project governance.
• Experience working on luxury five-star hotel developments, renovations, and fit-out projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and operational standards.
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing project teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, or a related field. Professional project management certifications are an advantage

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee high-profile development, renovation, and capital projects across the luxury hospitality portfolio.
• Drive project delivery from concept through completion, ensuring on-time, on-budget, high-quality outcomes.
• Serve as a key link between internal stakeholders, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and operators, providing strategic oversight of multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead a team of project managers and shape delivery that supports operational and commercial objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Communication

Project management

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture

Job description

Job description

Executive Director, Special Projects (21676)

Atlantis Dubai is part of Kerzner International, and home to two extraordinary resorts: the world-renowned Atlantis, The Palm and the ultra-luxury Atlantis The Royal. Together, they represent world-class service, bold innovation, and unforgettable experiences brought to life.

With over 6,000 colleagues from 129 nationalities, Atlantis Dubai operates as one team, with many departments and back-of-house functions seamlessly supporting both resorts. Across every role and department, our shared purpose is the same: to create amazing experiences and everlasting memories - not only for our guests, but for our colleagues too.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Executive Director, Project Management to lead and oversee high-profile development, renovation, and capital projects across our luxury hospitality portfolio. Being part of the leadership team in Special Projects, you will be responsible for driving project delivery from concept through completion, ensuring all projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

This role will serve as a key link between internal stakeholders, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and operators, while providing strategic oversight of multiple concurrent projects. The successful candidate will lead a team of project managers and play a critical role in shaping and delivering projects that support our operational and commercial objectives.

About You

You are a confident and commercially minded project leader with extensive experience delivering large-scale hospitality projects in complex environments. You thrive in a fast-paced setting, have exceptional stakeholder management skills, and are equally comfortable leading teams, managing budgets, and overseeing construction activities.

You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying solutions to challenges before they impact project delivery. With strong leadership capabilities and excellent communication skills, you can effectively engage with senior executives, consultants, contractors, and operational teams to ensure successful project outcomes.

Required Experience

• Minimum 20 years of project management experience
• Minimum 10 years of experience working in Dubai or the UAE market
• Proven track record delivering large-scale hospitality, mixed-use, or luxury development projects
• Extensive experience managing project timelines, budgets, risk, procurement, and contractor performance
• Strong knowledge of tendering processes, contract administration, and project governance
• Experience working on luxury five-star hotel developments, renovations, and fit-out projects
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and operational standards
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing project teams
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, or a related field. Professional project management certifications are an advantage

We offer a competitive, tax-free salary paid in UAE Dirhams (AED), alongside a wealth of benefits. These include generous food and beverage privileges, exclusive discounted rates at all Kerzner properties worldwide, comprehensive health insurance (with dental coverage), annual flights home, life insurance, an incentive programme, and a variety of colleague wellness and social initiatives.

With a strong emphasis on learning and development, colleagues at Atlantis enjoy access to world-class training, career mobility, and internal growth opportunities across the Kerzner portfolio - making this an ideal environment for ambitious individuals seeking a long-term, fulfilling career in luxury hospitality. Join the A-Team and discover the extraordinary.