Associate Director - Project Control

Mace; As Sudiyah; Hybrid; OMR 65,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is delivering a major mixed-use development programme in Saudi Arabia and seeks a Senior Governance Lead to drive governance frameworks, reporting cycles and decision-making across client, programme, delivery, commercial, finance, procurement and project controls functions.

You will establish governance forums, monitor compliance, provide governance analysis, and lead reviews and audits while developing high-performing teams and promoting safety, integrity and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, construction management, finance, business administration, economics, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, MSP, APM, RICS, ACCA, CIMA, CPA are desirable.
• Extensive PMO, programme management, project controls, governance, or assurance experience in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of governance frameworks and reporting cycles.
• Establish governance forums, committees, and decision records.
• Act as central governance lead across client, programme, delivery, commercial, finance, procurement, and project controls teams.
• Monitor compliance with governance requirements, delegated authorities, financial controls, and procurement protocols.
• Provide governance analysis and recommendations to support executive decisions.
• Drive consistency and governance best practices across multiple workstreams and partners.
• Lead governance reviews, audits, assurance activities, and process improvements.
• Develop high-performing teams with a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate towards net zero carbon transition and manage emissions reductions during delivery.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

PMP / PRINCE2 / MSP / APM / RICS / ACCA / CIMA / CPA (desirable)

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The Project

This is an opportunity to work on one of the largest programmes in Saudi Arabia. This unique project consists of major mixed-use development including sports facilities, entertainment and arts along with all associated infrastructure.

Mace is one of the delivery partners requiring high-calibre and experienced professionals to lead integrated teams throughout each phase of the project.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programme governance frameworks, ensuring effective decision-making, accountability, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Establish and manage governance forums, committees, and reporting cycles, maintaining clear records of decisions, actions, approvals, and escalations.
• Act as the central governance lead across client, programme, delivery, commercial, finance, procurement, and project controls teams, driving alignment and collaboration.
• Monitor compliance with governance requirements, delegated authorities, financial controls, procurement protocols, and assurance frameworks.
• Provide insightful reporting, governance analysis, and recommendations to support executive-level decision-making and programme performance.
• Drive consistency, transparency, and governance best practice across multiple workstreams, delivery partners, consultants, and contractors.
• Lead governance reviews, audits, assurance activities, and process improvement initiatives, strengthening controls and organisational effectiveness.
• Manage and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and collaborative delivery within a complex programme environment.
• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You’ll Need To Have

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, construction management, finance, business administration, economics, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, MSP, APM, RICS, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent is desirable.
• Extensive PMO, programme management, project controls, governance, or assurance experience within complex project environments.
• 10-15+ years’ experience across programme governance, project management, finance, commercial management, risk, controls, or related disciplines.
• Proven delivery experience on large-scale, multi-workstream programmes within infrastructure, real estate, development, construction, or giga-project environments.
• Strong understanding of project lifecycles, governance frameworks, controls, reporting, performance management, and executive decision-making processes.
• Demonstrated financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, variance analysis, investment approvals, and governance oversight.
• Necessary visa criteria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and have relevant work experience working on high-valued projects/programmes for a project management consultancy business, which are required for immigration and client approval.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long-term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfill all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.