Project Director – Transmission & Distribution

Saaki Argus And Averil Consulting; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Saaki Argus And Averil Consulting is seeking a Senior Program Director to lead a portfolio of large-scale Transmission & Distribution EPC projects across Saudi Arabia, guiding strategy and governance.

You will direct Project Managers, Engineering, Construction and Project Controls teams, manage client relationships with SEC and National Grid Saudi Arabia, and drive profitability, safety, quality and timely delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of large-scale Transmission & Distribution EPC projects across Saudi Arabia.
• Develop and implement project execution strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Provide direction to Project Managers, Engineering Managers, Construction Managers, and Project Controls teams.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring governance, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
• Drive operational efficiency, project profitability, and timely milestones.
• Oversee the complete project lifecycle from engineering and procurement through construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.
• Manage the execution of AIS and GIS substations at 132 kV, 230 kV, 380 kV, and above.
• Oversee high-voltage/extra-high-voltage lines and underground HV cable systems.
• Grid interconnection and related power infrastructure projects.
• Monitor progress against schedules, budgets, specs, and contractual commitments.
• Implement recovery plans and corrective measures for delays and overruns.
• Act as senior interface with SEC, National Grid Saudi Arabia, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain client relationships through reviews and executive discussions.
• Lead negotiations and resolve escalated project issues.
• Drive project financial performance: revenue, margins, budgets, cash flow, and cost control.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and productivity.
• Oversee variation orders, claims, EOT submissions, and commercial negotiations.
• Ensure timely invoicing and collection of payments.
• Monitor financial risks and take corrective action.
• Oversee EPC contract administration, change management, claims, and EOT submissions.
• Coordinate with commercial, legal, and project teams to resolve disputes.
• Ensure compliance with contracts, specs, and Saudi regulations.
• Provide oversight of engineering deliverables, design reviews, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with SEC and National Grid specifications and IEC standards.
• Maintain quality assurance and quality control across project phases.
• Promote Zero Harm safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE requirements.
• Lead project reviews, audits, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams: engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project controls.
• Optimize manpower, equipment, subcontractor deployment, and resource utilization.
• Mentor Project Managers and senior project personnel to strengthen delivery capabilities.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and performance management.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, energization, and handover of substations and transmission lines.
• Coordinate with SEC and National Grid teams to meet commissioning requirements.
• Ensure documentation, punch-lists, and closeout, and drive timely client acceptance.

Job description

Key ResponsibilitiesA. Strategic Leadership & Project ManagementLead a portfolio of large-scale Transmission & Distribution EPC projects across Saudi Arabia.Develop and implement project execution strategies aligned with organizational objectives.Provide direction to Project Managers, Engineering Managers, Construction Managers, and Project Controls teams.Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring effective governance, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.Drive operational efficiency, project profitability, and timely achievement of key milestones.B. EPC Project ExecutionOversee the complete project lifecycle, from engineering and procurement through construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.Manage the execution of:AIS and GIS substations at 132 kV, 230 kV, 380 kV, and above.High-voltage and extra-high-voltage overhead transmission lines.Underground high-voltage cable systems.Grid interconnection and associated power infrastructure projects.Monitor project progress against approved schedules, budgets, technical specifications, and contractual commitments.Implement recovery plans and corrective measures to address delays, cost overruns, and execution challenges.C. Client & Stakeholder ManagementAct as the senior-level interface with SEC, National Grid Saudi Arabia, consultants, and other key stakeholders.Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular project reviews and executive-level discussions.Lead negotiations, resolve escalated project issues, and ensure alignment with client expectations.Strengthen client satisfaction, contractual compliance, and opportunities for repeat business.D. Commercial & Financial ManagementDrive project financial performance, including revenue, gross margins, budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and cost control.Identify opportunities for cost optimization, margin improvement, and enhanced resource productivity.Oversee variation orders, claims, extension-of-time submissions, and commercial negotiations.Ensure timely invoicing, milestone billing, and collection of outstanding payments.Monitor financial risks and take corrective action to achieve approved profitability targets.E. Contract & Claims ManagementOversee EPC contract administration, contractual obligations, and risk exposure.Lead change management, variation assessments, claims preparation, and extension-of-time submissions.Coordinate with commercial, legal, and project teams to resolve contractual disputes.Ensure compliance with client contracts, project specifications, and applicable Saudi regulations.F. Engineering, Quality & HSEProvide strategic oversight of engineering deliverables, design reviews, and technical risk assessments.Ensure compliance with SEC and National Grid Saudi Arabia specifications, applicable IEC standards, and project requirements.Maintain high standards of quality assurance and quality control across all project phases.Promote a Zero Harm safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE requirements.Lead project reviews, audits, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.G. Resource & Team ManagementLead and develop multidisciplinary project teams, including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project controls.Optimize manpower, equipment, subcontractor deployment, and resource utilization.Mentor Project Managers and senior project personnel to strengthen project delivery capabilities.Support workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and performance management.H. Testing, Commissioning & Project HandoverOversee testing, commissioning, energization, and final acceptance of substations and transmission line projects.Coordinate with SEC and National Grid operational teams to meet commissioning and energization requirements.Ensure completion of documentation, contractual deliverables, punch-list clearance, and project closeout.Drive timely handover and achievement of final client acceptance.