Project Director

AECOM; Al Ain; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in the United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced Project Director to lead large-scale infrastructure programs from inception through delivery. You will provide executive oversight of technical, commercial, contractual, and stakeholder activities to ensure projects meet schedule, budget, quality, safety, and sustainability goals.

You will manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with government authorities, clients, and contractors, and drive performance across all project phases,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Master's degree in related field preferred.
• Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• 20+ years in delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams from mobilization to handover.
• Coordinate with Client, Authorities, Contractors and senior management.
• Oversee contract administration, variations, and commercial performance.
• Monitor quality, safety, risk, and project governance throughout.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract management

Project controls

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering / Construction Management / Project Management

Chartered Engineer / PE / PMP

Tools

Primavera P6

BIM

Project controls software

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

The Project Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic management, and successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects from commencement through construction, testing & commissioning, handover, and project close-out. The role provides executive oversight of all technical, commercial, contractual, operational, financial, and stakeholder management activities, ensuring that project objectives are achieved in accordance with contractual obligations, client expectations, quality standards, and business objectives.

The Project Director leads multidisciplinary project teams and acts as the primary executive representative of the Consultant, maintaining effective communication with the Client, government authorities, utility providers, contractors, and senior management while ensuring successful project delivery within the approved programme, budget, quality, safety, and sustainability requirements.

Key Job Duties

• Project Leadership & Delivery
  
  
  
  • Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects.
  
  
  • Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with contract requirements, approved programmes, quality standards, and client expectations.
  
  
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams throughout all project phases from mobilization to final handover.
  
  
  • Establish project objectives, priorities, governance, and performance targets.
  
  
  
  


• Client & Stakeholder Management
  
  
  
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with the Client, Developers, Government Authorities, Utility Providers, and other key stakeholders.
  
  
  • Lead executive-level meetings, progress reviews, and strategic workshops.
  
  
  • Maintain strong client relationships while ensuring timely resolution of project issues.
  
  
  • Manage authority coordination, approvals, permits, and major stakeholder interfaces.
  
  
  
  


• Commercial & Contract Management
  
  
  
  • Provide executive oversight of contract administration in accordance with FIDIC and project contractual requirements.
  
  
  • Review variations, claims, extensions of time, commercial risks, and contractual correspondence.
  
  
  • Monitor project financial performance, resource utilization, and commercial objectives.
  
  
  • Support business development opportunities and client satisfaction initiatives.
  
  
  
  


• Technical & Operational Oversight
  
  
  
  • Oversee engineering design coordination, construction supervision, testing & commissioning, and handover activities.
  
  
  • Ensure effective integration of all engineering disciplines, including roads, utilities, drainage, public realm, electrical, telecom, irrigation, landscape, and transportation infrastructure.
  
  
  • Monitor technical compliance with project specifications, authority requirements, and international standards.
  
  
  
  


• Risk, Quality & HSE Management
  
  
  
  • Establish project governance frameworks for quality, safety, and risk management.
  
  
  • Ensure implementation of Project Quality Plans, HSE Management Systems, and Risk Registers.
  
  
  • Review major project risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
  
  
  • Promote continuous improvement and best practices across the project.
  
  
  
  


• Resource & Team Leadership
  
  
  
  • Lead and mentor Resident Engineers, Senior Resident Engineers, discipline engineers, commercial staff, and project support teams.
  
  
  • Optimize project resources and organizational structure to achieve project objectives.
  
  
  • Monitor staff performance, succession planning, and professional development.
  
  
  
  


• Reporting & Executive Communication
  
  
  
  • Review executive progress reports, dashboards, commercial reports, and key performance indicators.
  
  
  • Report project status, risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations to senior management.
  
  
  • Ensure effective project documentation and governance throughout the project lifecycle.
  
  
  
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.


• Master's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Project Management is highly desirable.


• Chartered Engineer (CEng), PE, PMP, or equivalent professional certification is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 20 years of relevant experience in the delivery of major infrastructure projects.


• Minimum 10 years in senior leadership roles such as Project Director, Project Manager, or Senior Resident Engineer on large-scale infrastructure developments.


• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary consultancy teams and complex stakeholder environments.


• Extensive experience in roads, utilities, drainage, transportation, public realm, testing & commissioning, and asset handover.


• Strong experience working with UAE government authorities, developers, and utility providers.

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of infrastructure project delivery, FIDIC contracts, project controls, commercial management, QA/QC systems, and HSE management.


• Proficiency in Primavera P6, project management systems, BIM, digital construction platforms, and executive reporting tools.


• Strong understanding of authority approval processes, stakeholder management, and asset transfer requirements.

Behavioural & Leadership Competencies

• Outstanding leadership and strategic management capabilities.


• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.


• Strong commercial awareness and sound decision-making abilities.


• Proven ability to manage complex projects, multidisciplinary teams, and multiple stakeholders simultaneously.


• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to quality, safety, innovation, and client satisfaction.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID

J10155428

Business Line

Water

Business Group

DCS

Strategic Business Unit

ME and Africa

Career Area

Program & Project Management

Work Location Model

On-Site