Director - Design & Projects Delivery

Apparel Group; Bahrain; On-site; BHD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Apparel Group in Bahrain seeks a senior project leader to define delivery strategy for store openings, refurbishments, and infrastructure. You will oversee governance, risk mitigation, and major vendor negotiations while coordinating with finance and brand heads.

With 12–15 years in project management and 5+ years in leadership across multi-site retail or hospitality developments, you will drive CAPEX programs across geographies and ensure regulatory compliance and high-quality delivery.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years in project management with 5+ years in leadership overseeing multi-site retail/hospitality developments.
• Strong knowledge of international design standards, construction methodologies, procurement, and fit-out execution.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale CAPEX programs across geographies with multiple stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture; Master’s in Project Management or MBA preferred.
• Certifications such as PMP or LEED are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Define project delivery strategy for store openings, refurbishments, and infrastructure developments.
• Lead long-term planning, capital budgeting, and program prioritization with Finance, Brand Heads, and Maintenance.
• Establish governance frameworks and SOPs for project control and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance

Project management

CAPEX programs

Stakeholder management

Vendor management

Design & construction oversight

PMP

LEED

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Master's in PM or MBA

PMP / LEED certifications

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibility:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Define the project delivery strategy for all store openings, refurbishments, and infrastructure developments across.
• Lead long-term planning, capital budgeting, and program prioritization in collaboration with Finance, Brand Heads, and Maintenance
• Establish governance frameworks and SOPs to ensure project control, standardization, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the final authority for risk mitigation, conflict resolution, and major vendor negotiations.

Project Oversight & Execution Excellence

• Oversee the execution lifecycle for high-value projects - from conceptual design and approvals to handover and post-opening evaluation.
• Ensure adherence to brand guidelines, principal expectations, and sustainability benchmarks in all project deliverables.
• Monitor the program dashboard for cost, quality, safety, and schedule metrics, ensuring adherence to KPIs and corrective actions as needed.
• Supervise a multi-layered team of managers, engineers, planners, and consultants to ensure seamless coordination across departments.

Vendor, Design & Technical Supervision

• Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, architects, and principal design teams to align with group expectations and timelines.
• Validate design intents, BOQs, space planning, and material specifications for compliance with brand identity and functional requirements.
• Approve procurement and contracting strategies ensuring cost competitiveness and delivery assurance.

People Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a high-performing project delivery organization through succession planning, mentorship, and performance reviews.
• Drive functional learning, talent development, and retention strategies across project teams and site operations.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement across the department.

Stakeholder & Principal Engagement

• Act as the key interface with global brand principals, ensuring design approvals, progress updates, and compliance are maintained.
• Provide periodic updates to C-level leadership on project pipeline, risks, and strategic priorities.

Desired Experience:

• 12-15 years of experience in project management, with 5+ years in a leadership capacity overseeing multi-site retail expansion or hospitality developments.
• Strong knowledge of international design standards, construction methodologies, procurement practices, and fit-out execution.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale CAPEX programs across geographies with multiple stakeholder interfaces.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering / Architecture Master's in Project Management or MBA preferred.
• Certifications in PMP, LEED, or related disciplines are an advantage.