PMC Programme Director

Pioneer International; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Pioneer IPMC in Abu Dhabi seeks a Programme Director to provide leadership, strategic direction, and governance for major capital programmes, ensuring delivery to contractual requirements, safety, quality, budget and schedule.

The role requires extensive experience in regulated, high-hazard environments, including nuclear facilities or equivalent critical infrastructure, and proven PMC/EPC/engineering consultancy background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline is required; postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead programme strategy, governance, planning, execution, and delivery.
• Oversee project managers, engineering teams, construction teams, and project controls.
• Manage programme scope, schedule, budget, risks, quality, and contractual performance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, HSE standards, quality standards and contractual obligations.
• Deliver projects within approved scope, budget, schedule, quality and risk parameters.
• Lead senior project management teams including Project Managers and discipline leads.
• Act as primary contact with clients, authorities, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee contract administration, commercial performance, claims strategy, and risk management.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, local authorities, HSE standards and company policies.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, consultants, regulators and stakeholders.
• Monitor programme performance and implement corrective actions for delays and costs.
• Provide executive reporting, progress reviews, and strategic recommendations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and management of high-risk activities.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

• Min. Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; postgraduate qualification is an advantage.

Position Overview:

The PMC Programme Director will provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and governance for major capital programmes, ensuring successful delivery in accordance with contractual requirements, safety standards, quality expectations, budget, and schedule. The role requires extensive experience managing complex programmes within highly regulated, high-hazard industrial environments, including nuclear facilities or equivalent critical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead programme strategy, governance, planning, execution, and delivery.
• Oversee project managers, engineering teams, construction teams, and project controls functions.
• Manage programme scope, schedule, budget, risks, quality, and contractual performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, HSE requirements, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with approved scope, budget, schedule, quality, and risk parameters.
• Lead and manage senior project management teams, including Project Managers, Resident Engineers, and discipline leads.
• Act as the primary point of contact with clients, authorities, and key stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment.
• Oversee contract administration, commercial performance, claims strategy, and risk management in accordance with contractual frameworks (e.g., FIDIC).
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, local authority requirements, HSE standards, and company policies.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, consultants, regulators, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor programme performance and implement corrective actions to address delays, risks, and cost overruns.
• Provide executive-level reporting, progress reviews, and strategic recommendations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure effective management of high-risk activities.
• Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum 20 years of relevant professional experience in major capital programmes.
• Proven experience in nuclear facilities, other high-hazard regulated environments, or equivalent critical infrastructure programmes.
• Proven experience in PMC, EPC, or engineering consultancy environments.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, HSE, quality assurance, risk management, commercial management, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple contractors.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, decision-making, and executive reporting skills.

Pioneer IPMC was established to provide integrated Project Management Consultancy Services across a wide range of sectors and industries. With a team of professionals well-versed in all aspects of industry contracts, Pioneer IPMC has successfully managed change while leveraging deep industry insights, cultural intelligence, and unmatched experience. This strong foundation has enabled the company to deliver exceptional project outcomes and establish a reputation for excellence in the field.

Office M01 & M02 (Mezzanine Floor)
C5 Tower, Al Bateen Gardens
P.O. Box 129590, Abu Dhabi, UAE