Senior Project Director – Aviation

WSP USA; Saudi Arabia; Remote; SAR 1,500,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Middle East seeks a Project Director – Aviation to lead a major aviation programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You will steer strategic direction, governance, and the delivery across design, construction, and commissioning with on-site and remote teams.

The role requires 20+ years in large aviation or infrastructure projects, strong PMC/consultancy background, and proven leadership across multiple geographies. Extensive client and regulatory engagement is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field is required.
• 20+ years of experience in project and programme delivery, with large aviation or infrastructure programmes.
• Proven track record leading multi-billion SAR aviation or transport projects in the Middle East.
• Experience in PMC/consultancy with contract administration (FIDIC or similar).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to all project teams on-site and remotely.
• Establish governance, reporting lines, escalation protocols and delivery excellence.
• Manage client and senior stakeholder relations, including authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee end-to-end project delivery from initiation to handover, ensuring contractual and technical compliance.
• Ensure adherence to quality frameworks and aviation standards across all workstreams.
• Lead risk, safety, and compliance management across the programme.
• Oversee commercial activities including budget control, forecasting, and change management.
• Lead and develop a high-performing multi-disciplinary team across geographies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Program delivery

Team leadership

Contract management

Risk management

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

WSP in the Middle East is currently hiring for a Project Director – Aviation to join our team in KSA. The Project Director holds full accountability for the successful delivery of a major aviation programme within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a strong emphasis on airport design modernisation and infrastructure enhancement. This senior leadership role provides strategic direction to multi‑disciplinary teams, ensures strict alignment with client and contractual expectations, and represents WSP at the highest levels with authorities, stakeholders, and executive decision‑makers. The position carries responsibility for the complete spectrum of project performance, including schedule management, technical delivery, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and commercial governance.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to all project teams operating on-site and across remote support functions.

• Establish and maintain a strong governance framework ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, reporting lines, and escalation protocols.

• Drive a culture of delivery excellence, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, ensuring transparent communication, alignment on objectives, and proactive issue resolution.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client representatives, aviation authorities, regulatory bodies, and key external stakeholders.

• Represent WSP in high-level steering committees, progress reviews, and commercial discussions.

Project Delivery & Execution

• Lead the overall delivery of the aviation project from initiation to handover, ensuring compliance with contractual, technical, and statutory requirements.

• Oversee planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases, ensuring deliverables meet required standards.

• Monitor schedule performance, identify critical paths, and implement recovery plans when required.

Quality Assurance & Technical Oversight

• Ensure adherence to WSP quality frameworks, aviation standards, and global best practice.

• Drive technical excellence across all engineering, design, and operational workstreams.

• Review and validate key technical submissions, design packages, and project deliverables.

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Establish and manage a robust risk management strategy, covering technical, commercial, operational, and external risks.

• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with HSE regulations and WSP safety principles.

• Implement proactive measures to mitigate project risks and ensure long-term programme stability.

Commercial, Financial & Contract Management

• Provide oversight of all commercial activities including contract performance, change management, claims avoidance, and budget control.

• Ensure financial integrity through accurate forecasting, cost monitoring, and commercial reporting.

• Lead commercial negotiations where required, safeguarding WSP’s contractual and financial position.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing multi-disciplinary project team.

• Ensure optimal resource planning, performance management, and succession planning.

• Promote collaboration across WSP teams in KSA, the UAE, and global support offices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Aviation Management, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).

• 20+ years of experience in project and programme delivery, with significant exposure to large-scale aviation, airports, or complex infrastructure programmes.

• Proven track record in leading multi-billion SAR aviation or transport projects in the Middle East (KSA experience preferred).

• Strong background in PMC/consultancy environments with familiarity in contract administration (FIDIC or similar).

Technical & Leadership Competencies

• Deep understanding of aviation standards, airport systems, airside/landside operations, and regulatory frameworks.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills.

• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing large budgets and complex contracts.

• Ability to lead diverse teams across multiple geographies and disciplines.