Project Director Contracting

Black & Grey HR; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruiting firm in Dubai is seeking a Project Director for a large-scale mixed-use project. This leadership role requires a candidate with at least 15 years of experience in the construction industry and proven success in managing complex projects. The ideal applicant will have strong strategic and negotiation skills along with a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field.

Benefits

Attractive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in construction with at least 8–10 years in senior roles.
• Experience managing large-scale mixed-use developments.
• Deep expertise in construction means and methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all phases of a large-scale mixed-use project.
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Manage project logistics, budgeting, and financial performance.

Skills

Construction project management

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Black & Grey HR is recruiting for a top-tier contracting company. Our client is looking to hire a highly strategic and results-driven Project Director to provide overall leadership and direction for a large-scale multi-phase mixed‑use project. This senior-level role is the single point of accountability for the project’s successful execution from pre‑construction through close‑out. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a proven track record of delivering complex mixed‑use developments on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary senior point of contact for the client ownership group and project stakeholders, fostering and maintaining exceptional relationships.
• Develop and articulate the overall project vision, strategy, and execution plan.
• Lead high‑level negotiations with clients, consultants, and joint venture partners.
• Provide strategic direction to the entire project team, including multiple Project Managers and Superintendents.
• Oversee the entire pre‑construction process, including value engineering, constructability reviews, and scheduling.
• Lead the development of proposals and complex contract negotiations.
• Ensure project logistics phasing and sequencing plans are robust and account for the complexities of a mixed‑use environment.
• Hold ultimate responsibility for the project’s financial performance, including P&L management.
• Review and approve major budget cost forecasts and financial reports.
• Implement and manage rigorous cost control procedures to mitigate risk and maximize value.
• Authorize significant purchase orders, subcontracts, and change orders.
• Provide executive oversight of all on‑site construction operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to the project schedule, proactively identifying and mitigating delays.
• Champion a "Zero Incident" safety culture across the entire project site.
• Enforce the highest standards of quality control and assurance for all work.
• Identify, assess, and develop mitigation strategies for high-level project risks.
• Resolve critical path issues and conflicts that impact project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and permitting requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a large multi‑disciplinary project team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Manage resource allocation and team structure to ensure project needs are met.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the construction/contracting industry, with at least 8–10 years in a senior leadership role overseeing large‑scale commercial projects.
• Demonstrable direct experience managing multiple mixed‑use development projects from conception to completion.
• A proven track record of successfully delivering high‑value projects.
• Deep expertise in construction means and methods, project financing, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Mastery of project management software.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing complex project P&L.
• Expert knowledge of building codes, standards, and construction law.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Executive Presence: Ability to command respect and confidently interact with C‑level executives, investors, and public officials.
• Strategic Thinker: Sees the "big picture" while understanding the details that drive success.
• Decisive Leader: Able to make high‑stakes decisions under pressure.
• Exceptional Negotiator: Skilled in conflict resolution and achieving favorable outcomes.
• Superb Communicator: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Proactive & Agile: Anticipates challenges and adapts strategies in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Attractive salary and benefits package.

Required Skills

• At least 20 years of related business experience with a proven track record of achievements in project development within a leading real estate organization, with at least 4 of those years in a senior management/executive role.
• Master’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree with specialization in civil engineering, architecture, or any other related field is required.
• MBA or equivalent with specialization in management is desirable.
• Proficiency in Arabic is a plus.