Portfolio Director

Mace Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Portfolio Director to provide senior leadership and oversight across a diverse range of projects. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in managing large-scale portfolios within regulated environments and will ensure high-quality delivery aligned with client objectives. This role involves strategic direction, governance, and influencing decision-making at the executive level. If you are committed to safety, quality, and client focus, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal position.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive working environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior portfolio or programme leadership roles.
• Proven track record in overseeing large-scale, multi-programme/projects portfolios.
• Strong understanding of regional regulatory and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership and oversight across the portfolio.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.
• Ensure ethical and compliant portfolio management.

Skills

Senior portfolio leadership experience

Strong stakeholder management

Commercial management

Governance and compliance expertise

Project management proficiency

Education

Relevant degree or professional accreditation (MAPM, MRICS, etc.)

Job description

Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in March, subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project:

This portfolio comprises projects either directly managed by the client team or delivered by leading third-party developers under the client’s leadership. It includes a diverse range of projects, spanning new construction, master planning schemes, and executive fit‑out works.

The portfolio director acts as the client’s senior representative for the strategic oversight, governance, and performance management of a complex portfolio of programmes and projects. Seconded into the client office, the role provides leadership, assurance, and strategic direction to ensure delivery aligns with executive objectives, regulatory requirements, and long‑term asset and investment outcomes.

The role is accountable for shaping portfolio strategy, influencing delivery performance, strengthening stakeholder alignment, and ensuring robust commercial, governance, and risk frameworks are embedded across the portfolio to drive sustainable value, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Providing senior leadership and oversight across the portfolio to ensure safe, compliant, and high‑quality delivery in line with client priorities and objectives.
• Leading portfolio strategy, governance, and executive reporting, ensuring alignment to client priorities and objectives.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing decision‑making through clear insight, analysis, and assurance.
• Ensuring ethical, compliant, and financially sound portfolio management, maintaining strong controls, transparency, and accountability.
• Strengthening client and stakeholder relationships, acting as the portfolio’s ambassador, and ensuring effective communication, influence, and alignment.
• Maintaining exceptional standards in safety, quality, risk, sustainability, and compliance while optimising performance.
• Coordinating with Mace Consult Centre of Excellence to deploy best‑in‑class expertise, tools, and methodologies in support of the client’s priorities and objectives.
• Building and managing high‑performing teams, securing specialist expertise, and fostering an inclusive, knowledge‑sharing culture.
• Being a champion of Mace’s values, behaviours, and safety‑first culture while operating as an extension of the client’s executive team.
• Driving continuous improvement, performance optimisation, and value realisation across programmes and projects.
• Stepping in as needed to get a project back on track.

You’ll need to have:

• Extensive experience in senior portfolio or programme leadership roles within complex, high‑profile, and regulated environments.
• Proven track record in overseeing large‑scale, multi‑programme/projects portfolios with strong governance, controls, and performance outcomes.
• Successful delivery of programmes and projects from start to finish, including design, construction, handover, and closeout.
• Advanced capability in commercial management, programme risk, assurance, and executive decision support.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at the C‑suite and executive office level.
• Demonstrated experience working within or alongside government, executive offices, or major public sector clients (preferred).
• Strong contractor, consultant, and third‑party developer management experience.
• Relevant degree and/or professional accreditation (e.g., MAPM, MRICS, MICE, CIOB, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of regional regulatory, compliance, and governance frameworks within Abu Dhabi or the wider UAE.

Our values

Safety first – Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well‑being in every team.

Client focus – Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long‑term relationships with our clients.

Integrity – Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity – For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part‑time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

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