Project Director

EHIF; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Wood is seeking an accomplished Project Director to lead large-scale EPCm projects, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and top-quality execution for high-profile clients worldwide.

The role requires a proven track record in detailed engineering programs and strong leadership across global teams, with emphasis on safety, governance, and value delivery within a dynamic energy landscape.

Qualifications

• University degree (bachelors or masters) in a relevant discipline or equivalent
• PMP, APM or equivalent certification is preferred
• Experience: Minimum of 20 years in project management, with at least 10 years in leadership on large-scale detailed engineering projects
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to inform and persuade at all levels
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure
• High level of integrity and professionalism

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large-scale EPCm projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Develop and implement project plans, including scope, schedule, and resource allocation; monitor progress and mitigate risks
• Manage project resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to optimize delivery
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations throughout project execution
• Oversee EPCm operations in the region and maintain relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the EPCm framework
• Recruit, train, and mentor project teams; manage schedules and budgets; report KPIs to senior management
• Ensure all project activities comply with company policies and reporting requirements

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Team Management

Strategic Thinking

PMP/APM Certification

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in relevant discipline

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Project Director with a proven track record in driving the successful execution of major detailed engineering projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards for a high-profile client.

Our Clients and Projects

Designing the future. Transforming the world.

Wood's Oil, Gas & New Energies business is built on a strong legacy of delivering large and complex projects for national and international energy companies across the globe.We have experienced teams, a proven delivery model and a strong reputation.

We are the market-leading provider of integrated and innovative solutions that challenge the status-quo in the oil and gas upstream and midstream, onshore and offshore, gas to liquids and decarbonization and electrification markets. We pride ourselves in steady and predictable delivery, setting our sights on an exciting growth trajectory.

Energy security, transition and supply have never been more important. You, our enabling teams, are at the very forefront of transformative projects that are providing sustainable power to generations to come. We are the ones to bring low-carbon concepts to reality.

What we can offer

• Meaningful and interesting projects:Delivered to high profile clients across the Energy Sector
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:We are an organization actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business
• Competitive remuneration package:With regular reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market
• Medical Insurance: Ensures inpatient, and outpatient medical care is available should you require treatment
• Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance: The company provides Life Assurance cover
• End of Service Gratuity:In line with UAE Labor Law, all employees are eligible for an End of Service benefit
• The Employee Share Plan: Gives you the opportunity to purchase Wood shares and receive a match from the company
• Long Service Award:Wood values the commitment and loyalty of our people. Celebrating Long Service provides an opportunity for the business to demonstrate their appreciation of the hard work, dedication and many years’ service of our employees at 5 year service milestones
• Commitment to continued professional development:Development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests
• Global connections: Join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession
• Energy Transition Academy:Join a community of experts sharing your knowledge and gaining more exposure to a variety of existing and emerging energy systems – delivered by experts in their field

The key objectives for this role are:

• Defining project objectives, creating detailed roadmaps, and establishing timelines
• Securing and optimizing resources, managing budgets, and ensuring efficient workflows
• Assembling and leading project teams, streamlining communication, and resolving conflicts
• Identifying potential risks, devising mitigation strategies, and implementing contingency plans
• Monitoring project progress, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting updates to stakeholders
• Ensuring that project deliverables meet the required quality standards and specifications
• Maintaining effective communication with stakeholders to ensure alignment and address any issues promptly

Wood is a global leader in consulting, engineering and operations for the energy and materials sectors. With 33,000 people in around 50 countries, Wood supports clients across the full asset lifecycle, delivering safe, predictable outcomes while enabling resilient operations and a lower carbon future. Wood forms the Energy & Materials pillar of Sidara - a global partnership uniting leading multidisciplinary engineering, design, and project management companies. www.woodgroup.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

We are looking for a visionary leader who can inspire and motivate diverse teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation with an ability to build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies will be crucial in ensuring project success.

Strategic thinking and exceptional leadership skills will be instrumental in cultivating a culture of safety, excellence, and sustainability, ultimately contributing to the long‑term growth and success of Wood.

The Project Manager will possess a deep understanding of project management principles and methodologies, coupled with a proven track record of delivering EPC or EPCm projects on time and within budget ensuring appropriate reporting and governance is in place and that all project activities comply with industry standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Safety Management: Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and standards and environmental regulations throughout project execution.
• Project Management:
  • Lead and manage large‑scale EPCm projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards and alignment with project goals and objectives.
  • Develop and implement project plans, including scope, schedule, and resource allocation. Monitor project progress and performance, identifying and mitigating risks proactively.
  • Manage project resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to optimize project delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety,
• EPCm Management:
  • Oversee the EPCm operations in the region, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and objectives.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the EPCm framework to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Resource Management: Recruit, train, and mentor project teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Schedule and Budget Management: Develop and maintain project schedules and budgets, ensuring timely completion of all activities and adherence to cost control measures.
• Risk Management:Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions to project cost and schedule.
• Performance Monitoring:Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure efficiency and effectiveness, providing regular reports to senior management.
• Team Leadership:Manage and mentor a team professional, promoting continuous improvement and professional development.
• Stakeholder Engagement:Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, to ensure alignment and compliance throughout the project duration.
• Compliance: Ensure all project activities comply with company policies, procedures, and relevant reporting requirements.

Specific Responsibilities

• Project Monitoring and Reporting: Ensure comprehensive monitoring and reporting on project performance, focusing on delivery against cost, scope, quality, and schedule requirements. Regularly assess and report on contract profit targets and maintain up‑to‑date risk registers for all projects.
• Project and Contract Start-Up Oversight: Conduct thorough reviews during project and contract start‑up phases to ensure all foundational elements are in place for successful execution.
• Commercial and Financial Accountability: Oversee all aspects of commercial and financial management, including revenue delivery, margin and overhead management, budget forecasting, and cash collection. Implement effective cost control measures and conduct regular risk and opportunity reviews to optimize financial performance.
• Proposal Development and Review: Collaborate in the development and review of project proposals and plans, establishing clear timeframes, procedures, and resource requirements. Ensure adherence to corporate policies and best practices while setting parameters for project evaluation.
• Change Management: Negotiate changes to project scope with clients, following established change management processes to identify and approve modifications to scope, cost, schedule, and quality.
• Innovation and Technology Integration: Actively pursue and develop opportunities for innovation, including digitalization and the use of advanced technologies, to enhance project value for both Wood and its clients.
• Project Execution Planning: Approve project procedures and execution plans, ensuring clarity in scope of work, deliverables, master schedules, budgets, organizational charts, and risk registers.
• Team Competence Assurance: Ensure that all project team members possess the necessary skills and competencies to effectively execute their assigned tasks.
• Project Management Systems Implementation: Establish and maintain the required project management software systems, ensuring that all team members receive appropriate training and support.
• HSSE Leadership: Lead health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) initiatives, establishing proactive programs and audit schedules to address quality management issues effectively.
• Assurance and Peer Review Participation: Actively participate in assurance activities and peer reviews to ensure project integrity and compliance with best practices.

Qualifications

Skills And Qualifications

What makes you remarkable

Expected

• University degree (bachelors or masters) in relevant discipline or equivalent combination of qualifications and experience
• Project Management Professional (PMP), associate in project management (APM) or equivalent certification is preferred
• Experience: Minimum of 20 years of experience in project management, with at least 10 years in a leadership role on large-scale detailed engineering projects for Saudi Aramco
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to present, inform, and persuade at all levels and externally
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Extensive broad and deep project management experience in relevant industry sector(s)
• Significant experience with multiple project delivery types including frameworks, portfolios, pre-FEED, FEED, EPC and EPCM
• Extensive experience and understanding of project execution tools, processes and procedures
• Expert level ability to build and lead a team of technical people, actively supporting, encouraging and engaging those reporting to the position
• A thorough understanding of strategic and change management with the ability to translate this into appropriate goals, methodologies and strategies for implementation
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to effectively manage within tight time frames, to prioritize, and delegate appropriately