Associate Director

Lendo; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development firm in Saudi Arabia seeks an experienced Associate Director to oversee project controls and PMO governance for major developments. The role includes managing investor engagement, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and contributing to strategic planning. Candidates should have a strong engineering background, excellent negotiation skills, and experience in stakeholder engagement and project management.

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to build relationships.
• Experience in PMO functions, program documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead teams.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and commercial due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Manage investor engagement and execute financing transactions.
• Oversee interface management across projects.
• Lead project management office frameworks and governance.
• Develop and maintain project control systems.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Project management

Financial modeling

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Engineering or architecture/design background

Job description

Overview

Associate Director roles span project controls, PMO governance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement within large-scale developments. This position involves coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, leading sustainability and safety initiatives, and supporting strategic planning for major mixed-use and entertainment projects with a focus on infrastructure, design, and delivery for Qiddiya Investment Company and related ventures in Saudi Arabia.

Responsibilities

• Manage investor engagement and execute financing transactions, analyze financial data, and ensure regulatory compliance while engaging institutional investors.
• Oversee interface management across projects, ensuring coordination among stakeholders, resolving issues, and mitigating risks for successful project integration.
• Lead and implement project management office frameworks, ensuring governance, risk management, performance oversight, and mentoring of project controls professionals.
• Develop and maintain project control systems, monitor performance, ensure budget adherence, and demonstrate strong project management and leadership capabilities.
• Contribute to strategic planning and manage distribution networks (wet and dry utilities), applying engineering expertise and leadership in sustainable infrastructure projects.
• Lead the integration of creative and technical elements in themed entertainment and major developments, ensuring quality, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead commercial due diligence, structure finance transactions, and prepare marketing materials for project finance, requiring strong communication and financial modeling skills.
• Lead infrastructure finance deals, conduct commercial due diligence, and manage stakeholder coordination in dynamic environments.
• Drive internal audit and assurance activities relevant to Energy & Utilities, with strong audit and industry experience where applicable.
• Lead planning and development of logistics facilities, ensure compliance with policies, manage operations, and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop fire safety processes and training programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe operations for guests and staff.
• Provide client relationship management, project governance, strategic advice, and leadership in cost management and real estate initiatives.
• Identify markets, negotiate proposals, ensure compliance, and maintain relationships through strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Lead pre-contract cost management, provide procurement guidance, mentor teams, and drive business development with cost planning expertise.

Qualifications / Skills

• Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to build relationships across government, diplomacy, clients, and stakeholders.
• Experience in PMO functions, program documentation, stakeholder engagement, safety, sustainability, and major sports or entertainment projects.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, lead teams, and mentor professionals in project controls, cost management, and risk assessment.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, commercial due diligence, and project finance processes.
• Engineering or architecture/design background with leadership in sustainable infrastructure and themed entertainment design management preferred.

Location

Saudi Arabia (Qiddiya Investment Company projects) – relocation and cross-functional collaboration may be required.

Note

All content reflects original job information without adding new facts beyond what is provided. This description retains the focus on responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the role.