Executive Project Director – Mixed Use & Commercial Offices - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition; Manchester; On-site; GBP 149,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm seeks an experienced Executive Project Director for a high-profile commercial project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will lead the delivery of multiple commercial buildings with budgets exceeding $500M and possess 18–20 years of experience in commercial construction. Strong leadership skills, stakeholder management, and expertise in smart building technologies and sustainable construction are essential. This pivotal role aims to set a benchmark for future workplace innovation.

Qualifications

• 18–20 years of experience in commercial construction; at least 8 years in leadership roles.
• Experience delivering large-scale commercial office developments ($200M+), and managing multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of workplace design standards and smart building technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of commercial office developments.
• Manage projects with budgets over $500M and ensure quality control.
• Build and motivate high-performing project delivery teams.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Commercial construction

Project delivery

Sustainable construction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management

PMP or MRICS certification (preferred)

Tools

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Construction technology platforms

Job description

Executive Project Director – Mixed Use & Commercial Offices

Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About the Project

Digby Morris' client is the developer of a $multi-billion Public Investment Fund backed, master‑planned development in Riyadh.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Head of Commercial Office Delivery (Executive Project Director – Mixed Use & Commercial Offices). This role oversees the full lifecycle development of a state‑of‑the‑art Commercial Office Campus, Company HQ and a significant value of mid to high value commercial office developments designed to become a global benchmark for future workplace innovation, smart building integration, and premium commercial development.

The successful candidate will lead the simultaneous delivery of multiple commercial buildings, incorporating advanced workplace technologies, sustainability standards, and world‑class design. This is a pivotal leadership role, shaping the commercial office offering within one of the region’s most high‑profile development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end‑to‑end delivery of commercial office developments, ensuring alignment with corporate vision and strategic objectives.
• Oversee multiple commercial building projects concurrently, with individual and combined budgets exceeding $500M.
• Build, lead, and motivate high‑performing project delivery teams, including internal staff and external project partners.
• Work closely with Development, Design, and Engineering teams to define construction strategies that integrate cutting‑edge workplace technologies, future‑ready design elements, and strong sustainability principles.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and government authorities.
• Drive implementation of smart building systems and digital infrastructure across office developments.
• Introduce and champion modern methods of construction (MMC) to enhance efficiency and delivery quality.
• Ensure integration of sustainability, wellness, and environmental standards across all commercial buildings.
• Lead the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twin technologies throughout development.
• Identify project risks and drive mitigation strategies to maintain schedule, budget, and quality.
• Implement rigorous quality control processes to deliver premium‑grade commercial office spaces.
• Establish scalable delivery frameworks for future commercial development phases.
• Act as the primary interface between construction operations and senior leadership.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and resources, taking necessary corrective actions.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure progress, resolve issues, and maintain safety and quality standards.
• Prepare presentations and progress reports for senior management.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (PMP, MRICS, or similar certification preferred).
• 18–20 years of experience in commercial construction, with a minimum of 8 years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience delivering large‑scale commercial office developments with considerable experience in main construction delivery / shell & core ($200M+).
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong knowledge of workplace design standards and smart building technologies.
• Expertise in digital project controls and construction technology platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in sustainable construction and environmental compliance.
• Ability to build, lead, and develop multidisciplinary project delivery teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic problem solver with a strong innovation mindset.
• Middle East experience preferred but not required.