Project Director

Arclight Services; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent construction company is seeking a Projects Director. This role involves overseeing the strategic planning and delivery of various educational facilities and infrastructure projects in the UAE. Candidates should possess extensive experience in managing large-scale projects, excellent leadership, and communication skills. A Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering is required, while a Master's degree is preferred. This full-time position offers flexible working conditions, combining office and site-based tasks.

Qualifications

• 15–20 years of project management experience, including 7+ years in a director role.
• Extensive experience in large-scale construction projects, preferably in UAE or GCC.
• Familiarity with local building codes and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the lifecycle of various large-scale projects.
• Ensure compliance with UAE laws and quality standards.
• Manage high-value budgets and mitigate risks.

Skills

Leadership

Project Planning

Cost Control

Stakeholder Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Engineering

Master’s Degree in Construction Management

Tools

Project Management Tools

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

The Projects Director is responsible for the strategic planning, leadership, and delivery of Arclight Services Company’s projects portfolio, ensuring alignment with Group Holding / Abu Dhabi University's long-term vision and development goals. This executive role oversees the full lifecycle of education facilities / projects, residential buildings, infrastructure, etc.. — from concept to completion — encompassing scope definition, space programme planning, design management, cost control, construction execution works management, and regulatory compliance.

The Projects Director plays a key role in shaping the built environment of the Arclight Services mandates and its affiliated developments by providing expert oversight in architecture, engineering, management, and financial governance. This includes directing multidisciplinary teams, managing high-value budgets, mitigating risks, budget / cost control, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders at the highest level.

The role ensures that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and in full compliance with UAE laws, while also fostering innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across all project functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management

• Define and implement long-term project strategies in alignment with Group’s / Arclight Services’s vision and UAE urban development frameworks.
• Lead the planning, prioritization, and execution portfolios.
• Develop capital development plans, investment justifications, and program schedules.
• Report directly to the line manager with strategic updates, risk analysis, and performance KPIs.

2. Project Planning, Design, and Preconstruction

• Direct master planning and conceptual design phases in collaboration with external consulting firms, internal design teams, contractors, infrastructure consultants, and stakeholders.
• Review and approve all design deliverables, ensuring alignment with project vision, technical standards, and end-user requirements.
• Ensure robust feasibility studies, needs assessments, and land-use analysis are conducted and reviewed.

3. Architecture, Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Oversee and coordinate all design and engineering disciplines, including structural, MEP, ICT.
• Maintain quality assurance of all design submissions and construction drawings.
• Ensure compliance with Estidama, LEED, and local building codes (ADM, DMT, Civil Defense).
• Facilitate design reviews, VE workshops, constructability reviews, and life-cycle planning.

4. Cost Management & Procurement Governance

• Direct the development of detailed project budgets, BOQs, and financial forecasts across all project phases.
• Lead negotiations and execution of consultant and contractor contracts, ensuring optimal value and accountability.
• Approve procurement strategies, tender packages, bid evaluations, and contract awards.
• Monitor cost performance and lead corrective actions in case of budget deviations.

5. Construction & Execution Oversight

• Provide executive direction to construction management teams across multiple active project sites.
• Monitor construction progress through dashboards, site audits.
• Resolve high-impact issues related to delays, safety, compliance, or third-party coordination.
• Manage key construction milestones, including topping-out ceremonies, handovers, and final acceptance.

6. Risk, Legal & Compliance Oversight

• Establish a structured risk management framework for project execution.
• Direct claims mitigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution processes with legal counsel.
• Ensure adherence to local regulatory approvals and coordination with external authorities.
• Oversee insurance coverage, bonding, and legal due diligence during project execution.

7. Stakeholder Relations & Government Liaison

• Engage directly with government officials, ADU leadership, partners, and investors.
• Represent Arclight in forums, regulatory reviews, council meetings, and public events.
• Serve as the key liaison for permits, municipal approvals, and development coordination.

8. Executive Reporting & Board Interface

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc executive reports to line manager.
• Present detailed risk matrices, cash flow projections, milestone trackers, and compliance dashboards.
• Support audit and compliance committees with technical documentation and project evaluations.

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required for the Role

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Civil/MEP Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Master’s Degree in Construction / Engineering Management, Project Management, Urban Planning, or Executive MBA is highly preferred.

Minimum Years of Experience Required

• Minimum 15–20 years of progressive project management experience, including 7+ years in a director or senior executive position.
• Previous experience in education development projects for universities, schools and nurseries are plus

Nature of Relevant Experience Required

• Extensive experience in leading and delivering large-scale construction and development projects, preferably within the UAE or GCC region.
• Strong background in architecture, engineering coordination, and construction management.
• Proven ability to manage project costing, budgeting, procurement, and contract administration.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
• Familiarity with local building codes, authority approvals, and regulatory compliance (e.g., ADM, DMT, Civil Defense, Estidama).
• Demonstrated leadership in stakeholder management, reporting to executive leadership and working with government entities.
• Proficient in using project management tools and systems.
• PPM Certification is a plus

Language Skills

Arabic and English are required

Special Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
• Excellent project planning and organizational abilities
• Advanced knowledge of cost control, contracts, and construction methodologies
• Skilled in stakeholder communication and negotiation
• Proficient in project management tools
• Strong understanding of UAE regulations and authority processes
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• High attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities

Key External Contacts

• Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM)
• Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
• Civil Defense
• Estidama Authority
• Consultants and Contractors
• Vendors and Suppliers
• Abu Dhabi University Leadership
• Investors and Development Partners
• Legal and Compliance Advisors
• Utility Providers

Working Conditions

Office and site-based with Flexible hours

Job Type

Full-time