Project Director

pace; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Saudi Arabia is seeking an experienced Project Director to oversee large-scale mixed-use projects. The ideal candidate will have over 25 years of experience in the AEC industry, strong knowledge of local regulations, and proven leadership capabilities. This role demands strategic planning and effective communication to ensure project success while navigating complex stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• 25+ years of experience in construction projects within the AEC industry.
• Proven track record of leading projects in mixed-use developments.
• Strong understanding of KSA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large-scale mixed-use development projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for project progress.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project Management Software

Financial Acumen

Bilingual in Arabic and English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field

Certified Project Management qualifications

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Project Director to lead, manage, and oversee large-scale projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). They will use proven leadership in managing complex, mixed-use developments to deliver landmark projects that contribute to the urban transformation of Saudi Arabia.

What you will be doing

• Act as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders, including clients, senior leadership, contractors, and government agencies.
• Arrange and present project updates to the project steering committee.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, consultants, and local authorities, to ensure smooth project progress and compliance with regulations.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and implement corrective actions as necessary to maintain productivity and morale.
• Develop and execute project plans, schedules, budgets, and scope management strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Direct, manage, and lead large-scale mixed-use development projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and project goals.
• Enforce quality control processes to ensure work meets or exceeds industry standards and client requirements.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards during all stages of the project.
• Ensure that client expectations are met and offer solutions to problems that arise during the execution of the project.
• Foster a safety-first culture across all project teams.
• Lead the coordination and integration of multidisciplinary teams, including architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, ELV, Infrastructure, and civil engineering disciplines.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate project teams, fostering a positive working environment and promoting professional growth.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including project progress, change orders, risk assessments, and budget tracking.
• Maintain transparent communication with clients and stakeholders regarding project progress, challenges, and changes.
• Manage project budgets, forecast expenditures, and implement cost control mechanisms to ensure financial success of the project.
• Mitigate risks by identifying potential issues early and developing effective strategies to avoid delays or budget overruns.
• Monitor project performance, ensuring that the project adheres to cost, time, and quality benchmarks.
• Oversee all stages of the project lifecycle: from planning, design, and procurement to construction and handover.
• Oversee contract negotiations and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Oversee recruitment and staffing requirements, ensuring the project is adequately resourced with skilled personnel.
• Provide clear directions to project teams and drive accountability in the execution of tasks and deliverables.
• Provide strong project leadership & strategic planning.
• Remarkable experience in construction supervision consultancy services in Mega Projects.
• Review and approve project invoices and payments, ensuring proper documentation and transparency.
• Strategic capabilities to manage a team from the different engineering expertise and trades.
• Use project management software to maintain real-time updates on project status.
• Prepare and present comprehensive project reports for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Oversee Quality Control & assurance QA/QC, adhere and comply with HSSE standards and regulations, Risk management, as well as capable in project control measures in mega projects.

Required Experience

• 25+ years of construction projects experience within the AEC industry.
• Proven track record of Project Director roles with significant experience in mixed-use developments (residential, institutional, commercial, retail, hospitality).
• In-depth knowledge of civil engineering principles, infrastructure, and construction methodologies.
• Must have experience in West Europe or North America, and Arab Gulf / KSA.
• Strong understanding of KSA regulations, construction codes, and local market dynamics.
• Extensive experience working with large multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement management.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects from concept to completion while maintaining focus on deadlines and budgets.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.
• Certified Project Management qualifications.

Certifications & Memberships

• Additional training courses, professional and personal development with membership to professional groups, societies or institutes, desired.
• Certification from Saudi Society of Engineers or local equivalent based on country requirement.
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI).

Essential Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Results driven and achievement minded.
• Expert knowledge of local regulations and standards.
• Proficient in project management software.
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in contract and budget management.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental standards in the AEC industry.
• Bilingual in Arabic and English preferred.