Oman Project Director

Meranti Green Steel; Muscat; On-site; OMR 57,675 - 76,900; Full time

Job summary

Meranti Green Steel is seeking a Project Director to lead the construction of a green Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant in Duqm, Oman. Key responsibilities include managing the in-country project team, contractors, and delivering the project on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate must have at least 20 years of experience in heavy industry, with a focus on greenfield projects valued at $500 million or more. A strong understanding of integrated steel processes and proven leadership skills is essential.

Qualifications

• 20+ years' experience in major capital projects in heavy industry.
• Direct experience in integrated steel or DRI is preferred.
• Strong project lifecycle accountability demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the in-country owner's project team.
• Manage EPC contractors and ensure delivery against commitments.
• Represent the Company with local authorities.

Skills

Project director-level accountability

Leadership and people development

Stakeholder management

Strong commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering or MBA

Job description

Purpose / Mission

Lead and direct the in‑country owner's project team through pre‑FID, FEED, EPC award, construction and commissioning of a greenfield 2.5 Mtpa green Direct Reduced Iron (DRI / Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) plant in Duqm, Oman. Accountable for engineering definition, cost estimate accuracy, schedule integrity, HSE performance, contractor management, and all local stakeholder and authority interfaces required to deliver the project on time, on budget and to the required quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the in‑country owner's project team, providing day‑to‑day direction and decision‑making authority across all project workstreams.
• Direct and manage the Owner's Engineer (OE) and EPC contractors across the DRI/HBI process plant, Balance of Plant, and Materials Handling packages, ensuring scope, schedule, cost and quality are delivered against contractual commitments.
• Own and drive the project master schedule, including interdependencies between engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, utility connections and port readiness.
• Own the project cost estimate to a level of accuracy sufficient to support Final Investment Decision and lender due diligence.
• Represent the Company in‑country with all host country authorities, port development partners, utility providers, industrial zone authorities, and other project counterparties.
• Provide HSE leadership and ensure HSE performance standards are embedded into engineering, procurement and construction practices, in line with international best practice and local regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with the Group Chief Executive, VP Projects & Sustainability, and Director Global Projects on strategic direction, risk management, and stakeholder reporting.
• Support the Company in its engagements with project finance lenders, independent technical advisors, and equity investors, including participation in technical due diligence exercises.
• Manage the interfaces between the process technology licensor, the OE, and the EPC contractors to deliver integrated plant design and operational readiness.
• Lead the in‑country growth of the project team from pre‑FID into construction execution, including recruitment, onboarding and development of a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary organization.

Requirements / Skills / Experience

• Minimum 20 years' experience in major capital projects in heavy industry, with project director‑level accountability on at least one greenfield plant of capex value USD 500 million or above.
• Direct experience in integrated steel, Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), ironmaking, or analogous gas‑based process plants is strongly preferred. Experience in petrochemical, fertilizer, ammonia or methanol megaprojects will be considered.
• Demonstrated accountability across the full project lifecycle: feasibility, FEED, EPC tender and award, construction, commissioning and early operations.
• Proven ability to manage multi‑package EPC programs with separate technology, balance of plant, materials handling and civil contractors.
• Strong commercial and contractual acumen, including FIDIC‑based EPC contracts, PMC arrangements, and owner's engineer structures.
• Middle East or GCC project delivery experience strongly preferred. Prior experience in Oman is an advantage.
• Demonstrated capability to work effectively with project finance lenders, independent engineers, and institutional investors.
• Ability to hold an independent professional position with senior executives and shareholders where the project's success requires it.
• Strong leadership and people development skills, with experience building multicultural, multi‑disciplinary project teams from the ground up.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills at board, government and community levels.

Required Education / Qualification / Training

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, or equivalent Engineering discipline (required).
• Master's degree in Engineering or a Master's in Business Administration (preferred).
• Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer or equivalent internationally recognized professional status (preferred).
• Member of a recognized professional engineering institution (e.g. IMechE, IChemE, AIST, SME) (preferred).

Required Language Proficiency

• English – Fluent
• Arabic – Nice to have