Head of Project Controls

Egis Group; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in Saudi Arabia is seeking a Head of Project Controls for a national aviation PMO. The role involves overseeing a team responsible for cost, schedule, reporting, and risk management across a multi-billion SAR portfolio. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in project control functions and strong leadership skills. Opportunities include high visibility and the chance to impact national infrastructure directly.

Benefits

Strategic leadership role

Direct impact on national-level infrastructure delivery

Collaborative PMO environment

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Project Controls on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record in leading large project controls teams.
• Strong knowledge of cost engineering, estimating, and scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Project Controls function within a national aviation PMO.
• Manage a team of 16 Project Controls specialists.
• Oversee cost, schedule, reporting, risk, and change control.

Skills

Project Controls leadership

Cost management

Scheduling

Risk management

Stakeholder coordination

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Project Management Information System

Job description

About Us

Egis is a leading global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm. We create and operate intelligent infrastructure and buildings that both respond to the climate emergency and contribute to balanced, sustainable and resilient development. Our 20,500 employees operate across over 100 countries, deploying their expertise to develop and deliver cutting‑edge innovations and solutions for clients. Through the wide range of our activities, we are central to the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

With 3,500 employees across 8 countries in the Middle East, Egis has delivered over 700 complex development projects, stimulating economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Ranked among the top ten firms in the Middle East by Engineering News Record (ENR), Egis is committed to sustainable development. The Group's operations in the Middle East are built on strategic acquisitions and a deep understanding of local market conditions. Egis' long history of providing comprehensive engineering, consulting, and project management services makes it a trusted partner for regional governments, investors, and developers.

About the Role

Project Brief

This PMO initiative supports the delivery of a multi‑year, multi‑billion‑riyal capital development Programme aligned with national aviation objectives. Operating as an integrated consultancy‑client team, the PMO provides strategic oversight, governance, and operational support to ensure that all projects across the national airport portfolio are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The Programme encompasses portfolio management, project controls, engineering standardisation, construction assurance, asset management, and governance functions, with direct engagement across multiple Operating Companies (OpCos).

Role Purpose

Lead the Project Controls function within a high‑profile national aviation PMO, overseeing cost, schedule, reporting, risk, and change control across a multi‑billion SAR portfolio. The PMO team consists of 45 professionals across six workstreams; this role will directly manage a team of 16 Project Controls specialists while coordinating closely with other Workstream Heads to ensure integration, alignment, and follow‑up on cross‑workstream initiatives.

The Head of Project Controls will also be responsible for reporting on the PMO project's own performance and ensuring that all deliverables meet the highest standards of quality and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Integrated Project Controls Framework across all portfolio projects.
• Direct and mentor a 16‑member team, covering cost management, scheduling, risk management, contracts, document control, and portfolio/program/project reporting.
• Coordinate with other PMO Workstreams (Strategic Planning, Asset Management, Technical & Engineering, Construction Assurance, Governance & Excellence) to ensure integrated planning, data sharing, and task follow‑up.
• Oversee portfolio‑level cost, schedule, and performance monitoring, ensuring alignment with business cases and strategic objectives.
• Review and approve major deliverables including business cases, variation orders, schedules, and progress reports.
• Lead the preparation of high‑quality executive dashboards and reports for senior leadership.
• Ensure adherence to best practices, international standards, and PMO governance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement, lessons learned, and process optimisation within the Project Controls discipline.
• Report on PMO project progress, risks, and resource utilisation to senior stakeholders.
• Serve as the main liaison between the PMO and all Subsidiaries and their PMC for project controls, ensuring consistent implementation of the Integrated Project Controls Framework.
• Lead the development and deployment of the Project Management Information System (PMIS), ensuring it serves as the central platform for cost, schedule, risk, quality, safety, asset management, and performance data across all OpCos. Drive the evaluation and integration of emerging project controls technologies (e.g., AI‑based forecasting tools, advanced analytics, real‑time dashboards, digital twin solutions) to enhance predictive capabilities, operational efficiency, and transparency.
• Co‑ordinate closely with other Workstream Heads to ensure integration, alignment, and follow‑up on cross‑workstream initiatives, and be responsible for reporting on the PMO project's own performance.

What do we need from you

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline from an accredited university.
• 15+ years of experience in Project Controls (cost and schedule) on large‑scale infrastructure projects, with 20+ years preferred.
• Proven track record in leading large multi‑disciplinary project controls teams on complex projects or portfolios.
• Strong knowledge of cost engineering, estimating, planning, scheduling, and project performance analysis.
• Working knowledge of engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and project start‑up processes.
• Experience in portfolio management, Project Management Information System & Tools.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Exceptional communication and reporting skills in English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• KSA or GCC aviation/infrastructure project experience preferred.

Why Join Us

• Strategic leadership role within a landmark aviation transformation programme.
• High visibility with direct impact on national‑level infrastructure delivery.
• Opportunity to lead, integrate, and innovate in a collaborative PMO environment.
• Champion best practices, data‑driven controls, and continuous improvement to elevate project delivery standards in the aviation sector.