Programme Director

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

Job summary

A leading consultancy in construction is seeking a Program Director in Saudi Arabia to lead complex, high-impact aviation programs. This senior position demands at least 20 years of experience in the aviation or aerospace field and a strong track record of managing large projects. Responsibilities include stakeholder engagement, program delivery, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and advanced program management certifications are preferred, along with exceptional leadership and financial management skills.

Benefits

Dynamic workplace

Global multidisciplinary consultancy

Qualifications

• Minimum 20+ years in Aviation, Aerospace, or a closely related regulated industry.
• Proven track record managing large, complex, multi-year programs.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and interface activities.
• Track contractor performance and manage progress reporting.
• Lead and deliver complex programs from initiation through completion.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Program management

Risk management

Financial management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace or related field

Master’s in Engineering, Aerospace or related field

Tools

PMI methodologies

PRINCE2

Agile methodologies

Job description

About Surbana Jurong

Surbana Jurong Group is a diverse collective of problem solvers for the built environment, continually reimagining ways to create a smart and sustainable future. Our technical experts deliver sustainable solutions that cover the entire project life cycle from planning and design, through to delivery and management, as well as a full suite of multidisciplinary consultancy services across a diverse range of sectors including transportation, water, aviation, healthcare, hospitality and renewables.

The Role

We are seeking a Program Director to lead complex, high-impact programs within a complex and regulated industry. This senior leadership role is responsible for end-to-end program delivery, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and financial performance across large, multi-disciplinary initiatives. The ideal candidate brings a depth of expertise within the aviation/aerospace industry, strong executive presence, and a proven ability to lead large programs in highly regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and interface activities.
• Track contractor performance and manage progress reporting.
• Lead and deliver complex programs from initiation through completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Define program scope, roadmap, governance, and success metrics.
• Serve as the senior point of contact for customers, OEMs, suppliers, regulators, and internal executives.
• Direct cross-functional Engineering teams and own program budgets, financial forecasts, and commercial performance.
• Ensure compliance, regulations and standards are adhered to.
• Identify and manage technical, operational, regulatory, and financial risks.
• Provide executive-level reporting, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop program managers and senior team members.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 20+ years in Aviation, Aerospace, or a closely related regulated industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Proven track record managing large, complex, multi-year programs.
• Hands-on experience working with OEMs, airlines, MROs, or aviation authorities preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of program management methodologies (PMI, PRINCE2, Agile/Hybrid).
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification strongly preferred.
• Excellent financial, commercial, and contract management skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.

Why Join Us

At Surbana Jurong, we bring together talent, teamwork, innovation, and a dynamic workplace to solve complex challenges creatively and collaboratively. Be part of a global multidisciplinary consultancy where your ideas and expertise are valued and rewarded.

All recruitment activities must go through our recruitment function. At this time, this role does not require agency support. Please do not forward résumés directly to SJ Group employees or managers. We do not accept unsolicited résumés and are not responsible for any fees associated with them. Only successful candidates will be contacted.