Project Director

AECOM; Manama; On-site; BHD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Project Director- Design to lead complex design projects and drive business development across major infrastructure programs. You will oversee multi-disciplinary teams, manage budgets, ensure quality, and build strong client relationships to secure repeat and new opportunities.

The role requires extensive experience in delivering large-scale projects, leadership of diverse teams, and a proven track record in the Middle East or similar markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Master's Degree in Engineering or Project Management is highly desirable.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), PE, PMP, or equivalent certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams to deliver design work within budget, quality, and schedule.
• Identify opportunities for repeat business and new clients throughout the life cycle.
• Mentor junior staff and coordinate with discipline leaders for integrated delivery.
• Lead preparation of proposals, interviews, and client presentations.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Budget management

Client relations

Business development

Multi-disciplinary delivery

Middle East experience

Quality control

Proposal development

Education

Bachelors in Civil Engineering

Masters in Engineering/PM desirable

Chartered Engineer / PE / PMP preferred

Job description

• Business Line: Transportation
• Work Location Model: On-Site
• Operating Group: International
• Primary Location: BH - Manama, BH - United Tower

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- Design manages a large project delivery portfolio or multiple large‑sized projects which present moderate to high exposure to the company. Actively engaged in business development and securing new / repeat business. Supports in AECOM key business or corporate initiatives. Has a thorough knowledge of the specialty technical area and overall project management skills, including financial performance management.

Job Duties

The Project Director will lead the project team to complete design work in accordance with budget, quality and timelines for the client. Duties will include but not limited to:

• Undertakes full responsibility for project delivery and integrates elements of project management through the project life cycle.
• Identifies and exploits opportunities as they arise throughout the project life cycle.
• Manages the contract and proactively addresses changes.
• Builds and develops Client relationships - seeks opportunities for repeat business / new opportunities. Receives positive Client feedback.
• Act as a mentor / leader for more junior staff.
• Competent with all relevant AECOM systems and processes.
• Able to undertake a range of business development activities including leading preparation of proposals / attending interviews and presentations / networking events etc.
• Champion AECOM safety initiatives and advocate the safety for life program and lifeguard principals.
• Manage the preparation of contracts, service agreements, partnerships, submissions, and funding arrangements
• Co-ordinate with discipline leaders within civil infrastructure and across the organisation to support strong collaboration and integrated delivery
• Attend and lead client briefings and planning and design workshops and present project stages and work to the client throughout the project.
• Work closely with the client, sub-contractors and stakeholders to deliver high quality products in a timely manner and manage relationships with the client and the local authorities
• Attend briefings with the client to review project plans, and resolve any conflicts in design or
• parameters of the work.
• Ensuring expected outcomes re budget expenditures and established timeframes are met.
• Ensure accuracy and quality of work in accordance with project scope within project parameters and client requirements.
• Manage the presentation and report development for the client and play a key role in client management and client satisfaction.
• Meet with and report to Director or Regional Director on a regular basis to track project progress against the deliverables.
• Issue invoices and resolve overdue payments when required in consultation with the Finance group and in accordance with AECOM standards.
• Implement and use AECOM’s QA system within all project work and maintain and refine in-house standards, procedures, and policy.
• Lead marketing efforts to current clients and be instrumental in identifying and attracting new clients.
• Delegate aspects of the project to team members including Assistant PMs and or Project Control Specialists and oversee their delivery in a timely and accurate manner with agreed quality standards.
• Participate in Regional and Firm-wide committees, forums and Practice Networks as required.

Qualifications

Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, or Project Management is highly desirable.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), PE, PMP, or equivalent professional certification is preferred.

Specific Skills Required

• A proven track record of successfully delivering design projects involving multi discipline and worked on any manual or project planning and implementation project.
• Flexibility and breadth of experience and knowledge across the design, planning and delivery of major projects.
• Extensive experience in the management of major multi-disciplinary projects from proposal development to completion, including periodic project reviews
• Proven ability to manage a team and manage multi-disciplinary project teams
• Strong financial and budget management skills
• Proven track record in successfully securing new work as well as maintaining existing contracts
• Experience working in tier 1 professional services consultancies is preferred
• Experience working in the Middle East will be highly regarded
• Strong attention to detail

Person Specification (Behavioral Attributes)

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Analytical
• Client facing
• Impactful
• Decisive
• Ethical
• Leadership qualities including being a role model to all AECOM employees
• Able to deal with high pressure situations in alignment with AECOM’s behavior model.
• Champions and promotes diversity within the business.
• Safety awareness

Experience

• 20+ years in delivery of design related disciplines
• 5 to 10 years in a lead role delivering major projects.
• Proven experience successfully managing a team and multi-disciplinary project teams
• Experience working in the Middle East region will be considered favorabl

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.