Project Controls Director - Aldar FW

KBR Inc.; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 550,000 - 735,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology and engineering company seeks a Project Controls Director in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will oversee a large-scale portfolio of projects, ensuring strategic alignment and proactive reporting. Ideal applicants have a Bachelor's degree and at least 25 years of experience, including 10 years in a similar role. Strong interpersonal skills and familiarity with risk management strategies are essential. Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum overall experience 25 years.
• Minimum experience 10 years in a similar role.
• Minimum 5 years of Middle East work experience.
• Professional memberships required MRICS or MCIOB.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning, execution, and delivery of the project portfolio.
• Prepare and maintain the Master Programme.
• Ensure compliance and alignment with project objectives.
• Monitor progress and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Planning & organising

Team player

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Strong customer focus

HSE awareness

Education

BSc construction management, engineering, architecture

Tools

MS Office

Primavera

Job description

Title:

Project Controls Director - Aldar FW

Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR!

The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission‑critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.

KBR provides holistic and value‑added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world‑class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high‑end design and engineering capabilities, and smart solutions to optimise planned and operating assets.

Project Controls Director

LOCATION

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Project description

KBR has been appointed under a framework agreement with the largest developer in Abu Dhabi to oversee a diverse portfolio of projects that contribute to Abu Dhabi's growth. This includes developing essential infrastructure such as transportation networks and utilities, alongside public spaces and involving also the shaping of thriving communities by managing the development of residential housing projects and ensuring the quality of new educational facilities, together with the development of mosques and maximizing urban space through infill development projects. This PMC role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on Abu Dhabi's built environment.

THE ROLE

The Programme Controls Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing planning, estimating, cost control, risk management, and document control services to ensure proactive and accurate reporting across projects. This PMC role involves overseeing a large‑scale portfolio of projects in Abu Dhabi, where multiple supervision consultants and EPC contractors are appointed directly by the client. The successful candidate will lead all planning, scheduling, and change management requirements, ensuring strategic alignment with project objectives. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, resource management, and collaboration with stakeholders to meet timelines, budget constraints, and overall programme goals.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning, execution, and delivery of the project portfolio.
• Prepare and maintain the Master Programme, incorporating client requirements for delivery, staging, completion, and contractual deadlines.
• Ensure all contracted parties submit required programmes (design, procurement, construction, look‑ahead, recovery/mitigation) and review for compliance with the Master Programme and employer specifications.
• Implement processes for scope change communication and control in line with contract terms.
• Assess feasibility and impact of potential changes; promptly notify the employer of changes likely to result in variation orders.
• Coordinate with stakeholders—clients, consultants, contractors, vendors, and authorities—to ensure compliance and alignment with project objectives.
• Oversee development and implementation of project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Provide leadership to project teams, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor progress and performance; implement corrective actions to address deviations.
• Prepare and present regular reports on progress, risks, commercial status, and key challenges to senior management and the client.
• Ensure effective risk management strategies are in place to mitigate potential issues.
• Mentor and guide team members, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders to support project success.

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

• BSc construction management, engineering, architecture or equivalent experience.
• Minimum overall experience 25 years
• Minimum experience 10 years in similar role
• Minimum 5 years of Middle East work experience
• Professional memberships and charterships required MRICS or MCIOB required
• Proven experience in a similar role on programmes with a similar scope.
• Excellent knowledge of CPM networks, resource and cost loading and risk management techniques
• Ability to effectively monitor and analyse progress, cost, and risks, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions
• Excellent report writing skills and experienced user of MS Office and Primavera
• Fluency in English language both written and spoken, Arabic speaking advantageous.

Competencies

• Leadership
• Planning & organising
• Team player
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong customer focus
• Accepts responsibility
• HSE awareness