Project Director

NPAworldwide; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide is seeking a Project Director Transmission & Distribution (380 kV) in Saudi Arabia to lead a portfolio of EPC substation and transmission line projects. You will own delivery from engineering through handover and act as the primary senior interface with SEC, National Grid SA, and consultants.

The role requires extensive experience delivering 380 kV projects, strong leadership, and proven P&L accountability across multiple sites, with travel across Saudi Arabia as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; a master's in engineering or project management, or an MBA, is an advantage.
• About 20 years in power transmission and distribution projects, with at least 10 years in the Middle East.
• Proven delivery of 380 kV substation projects through energisation; transmission lines delivery experience preferred.
• Background with EPC contractors in Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC.
• Experience with SEC and/or National Grid SA projects and familiarity with their standards.
• Experience leading several projects at once and managing large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial and contract management skills, including claims and variations.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel between project locations within Saudi Arabia.
• PMP, PMI-SP, PRINCE2 or similar certification is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of EPC substation and transmission line projects across Saudi Arabia, setting execution strategy and priorities.
• Direct project delivery from engineering and procurement through construction, testing, commissioning, energisation and handover.
• Lead Project Managers, Engineering Managers, Construction Managers and Project Controls teams.
• Act as the senior interface with SEC, National Grid SA, consultants and other stakeholders; lead executive-level reviews and resolve issues.
• Own project P&L: budgets, forecasts, cash flow, cost optimisation and collections.
• Manage contracts, variations, claims and extension of time submissions.
• Maintain a strong HSE and quality culture across all sites.
• Oversee engineering deliverables and technical risk, in line with SEC, National Grid and IEC standards.
• Identify and mitigate execution and commercial risks, and put recovery plans in place when needed.
• Develop and mentor project leaders and build high-performing teams.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract management

PMP/PMI-SP/PRINCE2

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's in engineering/project management or MBA

Job description

Project Director Transmission & Distribution (380 kV)

Our client, a leading global EPC player in power transmission and distribution, is looking for a Project Director to lead a group of EPC substation and transmission line projects in Saudi Arabia. You will take overall responsibility for delivery from engineering through commissioning and handover, and act as the senior point of contact for Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), National Grid SA and consultants.

This is a leadership role for someone who has run large 380 kV projects and wants to own results across several of them at once: schedule, cost, quality, safety, client relationship and project profitability.

What You Will Do

• Lead a portfolio of EPC substation and transmission line projects across Saudi Arabia, setting execution strategy and priorities
• Direct project delivery from engineering and procurement through construction, testing, commissioning, energisation and handover
• Lead Project Managers, Engineering Managers, Construction Managers and Project Controls teams
• Act as the senior interface with SEC, National Grid SA, consultants and other stakeholders; lead executive-level reviews and resolve issues
• Own project P&L: budgets, forecasts, cash flow, cost optimisation and collections
• Manage contracts, variations, claims and extension of time submissions
• Maintain a strong HSE and quality culture across all sites
• Oversee engineering deliverables and technical risk, in line with SEC, National Grid and IEC standards
• Identify and mitigate execution and commercial risks, and put recovery plans in place when needed
• Develop and mentor project leaders and build high-performing teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; a master's in engineering or project management, or an MBA, is an advantage
• About 20 years in power transmission and distribution projects, with at least 10 years in the Middle East
• Proven delivery of 380 kV substation projects through to energisation. Experience delivering transmission lines as well is strongly preferred
• Background with EPC contractors in Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC
• Experience with SEC and/or National Grid SA projects, and familiarity with their standards
• Experience leading several projects at once and managing large, multidisciplinary teams
• Strong commercial and contract management skills, including claims and variations
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills
• Willingness to travel between project locations within Saudi Arabia
• PMP, PMI-SP, PRINCE2 or similar certification is an advantage

Why Is This a Great Opportunity

• A senior leadership role in a global EPC organisation with a substantial project pipeline in Saudi Arabia
• A competitive package; details will be shared in conversation
• Locations depend on the projects and may include Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah