Project Director

Job Overview:

The Projects Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, and successful delivery of all projects within the organization. The role oversees the full project lifecycle from pre-construction through execution and handover, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The Projects Director operates as the senior authority across all project teams, aligning engineering, procurement, commercial, and site operations with the company's business objectives and premium construction standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management

• Lead and oversee the entire project portfolio from inception to final handover.
• Define project governance structures, reporting frameworks, and performance benchmarks.
• Align project execution strategy with corporate financial and operational objectives.
• Review and approve master schedules, budgets, and procurement strategies.
• Establish project performance KPIs, including cost variance, schedule variance, productivity, and margin.

Project Execution & Operational Excellence

• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with contractual obligations and company standards.
• Monitor progress across multiple projects and intervene proactively to resolve bottlenecks.
• Ensure effective coordination between engineering, procurement, commercial, and site teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in construction methodologies and resource utilization.
• Ensure strict adherence to approved drawings, specifications, and quality benchmarks.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Oversee project budgeting, forecasting, and cost control mechanisms.
• Review and approve major variations, subcontractor agreements, and commercial negotiations.
• Safeguard project profitability, cash flow, and margin performance.
• Monitor procurement efficiency and material cost optimization.
• Ensure proper contract administration and claims management practices.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with UAE construction regulations, safety standards, and contractual requirements.
• Implement enterprise-level risk mitigation strategies across all active projects.
• Promote and enforce a strong HSE culture with zero-incident objectives.
• Ensure implementation of quality assurance and quality control systems across sites.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate Project Managers, Construction Managers, and Engineering teams.
• Act as the executive representative for clients, consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction through proactive communication and resolution of concerns.
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless project execution.
• Support succession planning and capability development within the project's function.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to manage a diverse team and maintain project momentum.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Results-driven with a high accountability and ownership mindset.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
• High level of professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality on-site.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 15 to 20 years of progressive experience in construction project management, with a proven track record working with reputable contracting companies in the UAE.
• Proven experience in managing luxury projects, including high-end villas, with a strong understanding of premium construction standards and finishes.
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-project portfolios within the UAE or GCC region.

Qualification:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Master's Degree or professional certifications (PMP, RICS, etc.) preferred.