Project Director - Site Construction

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 661,000 - 1,102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

AD&D

Disability benefits

Paid time off

Flexible work options

Well-being resources

Employee assistance program

Travel insurance

Recognition awards

Retirement savings plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead on-site construction delivery across multiple projects, ensuring schedule, budget, quality and safety targets are met.

You will coordinate contractors, consultants and engineers, manage risk, and ensure compliance with UAE regulations and building codes. This role requires deep leadership and proven ability to deliver large-scale projects from planning through handover.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of site construction project management experience.
• Experience leading large-scale projects valued USD 10 million or more.
• Knowledge of UAE construction regulations and safety requirements.
• Proficiency with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee site construction activities to meet schedule, budget, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Develop construction plans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies.
• Manage project budgets and cost-control measures.
• Lead construction teams, subcontractors, and site personnel.
• Ensure compliance with UAE standards and safety regulations.
• Provide regular progress reports and maintain project documentation.

Skills

Site construction management

Project management

Leadership

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Snapshot

Project Director - Site Construction

Role: Project Director

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Civil Engineering

Function: Project Management

Experience: Minimum 20 years

Job Type: Full-time

Position Overview AECOM is seeking an experienced Project Director in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to lead site construction operations and provide strategic oversight across project execution, from planning and resource allocation through construction completion and handover. This senior leadership role carries responsibility for schedule, budget, quality, safety, risk management, multidisciplinary coordination, and stakeholder communication on large-scale construction projects.

Job Details Country: United Arab Emirates City: Abu Dhabi Industry: Civil Engineering Function: Project Management Salary: Not disclosed Gender: No Preference Candidate Nationality: Not specified Job Type: Full-time

Job Description

The Project Director will lead on-site construction delivery, directing project teams and coordinating contractors, consultants, engineers, and other stakeholders to maintain progress against agreed objectives. The position requires extensive construction leadership experience and the ability to manage complex projects while balancing programme, cost, resources, quality, safety, and technical requirements. The successful candidate will bring strong decision-making capability and detailed knowledge of UAE construction regulations, building codes, and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee site construction activities to achieve project schedule, budget, specification, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, construction schedules, and resource allocation strategies using established project management methodologies.
• Manage project budgets, monitor expenditure, and implement appropriate cost-control measures.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor construction teams, including subcontractors and site personnel.
• Establish clear accountability across project delivery teams and maintain effective coordination between workstreams.
• Ensure construction activities comply with UAE construction standards, safety regulations, and applicable environmental requirements.
• Conduct regular site inspections and quality assurance reviews to monitor construction standards and identify emerging issues.
• Evaluate project risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Make timely decisions to resolve construction challenges and maintain project progress.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure design intent is appropriately implemented on site.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, stakeholders, and senior management.
• Provide regular progress reports and project updates covering key delivery matters.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including daily reports, permits, contracts, and compliance records.
• Implement and monitor site safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment for project personnel.

Construction Leadership

The Project Director will provide senior-level direction across the construction operation, bringing together planning, commercial awareness, technical coordination, resource management, and site execution. A central part of the role is maintaining control of project performance while responding effectively to risks and delivery challenges. This requires close coordination with multidisciplinary design and construction teams and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced project environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in site construction project management and operations.
• Proven record of successfully managing large-scale construction projects valued at USD 10 million or more.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction methodologies, industry standards, and established best practices.
• Strong expertise in project scheduling, budgeting, cost control, and resource management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse construction teams.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capability with the ability to make effective decisions under pressure.
• In-depth understanding of UAE construction regulations, building codes, and safety requirements.
• Proficiency with project management software such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.

Work Environment

This is an on-site construction role within AECOM 's Buildings and Places business line. The Project Director will operate in a leadership position requiring regular engagement with construction teams, subcontractors, engineers, consultants, clients, and senior project stakeholders.

Onboarding Requirement

All newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

What AECOM Offers

Depending on employment status, AECOM benefits may include

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD and D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absence
• voluntary benefits
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• an employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• a retirement savings plan
• an employee stock purchase plan

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure leader providing professional services across transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings. Its multidisciplinary teams support public-and-private-sector clients throughout the project lifecycle, from advisory, planning, design, and engineering through program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 company that reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.