Head of Project Department

We’re Hiring: Head of Projects

Join our fabrication team and play a key role in keeping production running smoothly and efficiently.

Head of Projects

📍 Middle East & North Africa (Regional Role)

🧭 Reports to: VP Operations (MENA)

The Opportunity

We are seeking a MENA Head of Projects to provide strategic leadership and regional oversight for a diverse portfolio of high-value projects across the Middle East and North Africa. This role owns end-to-end project delivery — from opportunity and bid support through execution, close-out, and profitability — ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, client commitments, and best-in-class project management practices.

You will lead multiple Project Management Teams (PMTs), standardize project governance, and drive excellence across scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and safety , while building strong client relationships and enabling repeat, profitable business.

What You’ll Be Accountable For

Regional Project Leadership & Strategy

• Full accountability for delivery and P&L performance of all MENA projects
• Define and implement regional project management strategy, aligned with corporate objectives and global best practices.
• Standardized project governance frameworks including planning, reporting, EVM, risk, change, and claims management.
• Ensure consistent use of Primavera P6, critical path analysis, and integrated daily, weekly, monthly, and 90-day plans.
• Support company strategy, business planning, and future project opportunities.

Project Planning, Controls & Execution Excellence

• Oversee development and governance of project schedules, budgets, and execution plans across the lifecycle.
• Approve and control changes to scope, schedule, and cost at governance level.
• Track PMT and functional performance, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure strong interfaces between PMTs, engineering, procurement, construction, QA/QC, and HSE teams.

Resource, Supply Chain & Partner Management

• Optimize allocation of people, equipment, and materials across multiple projects.
• Partner closely with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely, compliant deliveries.
• Oversee subcontractor and vendor performance across quality, safety, and schedule.
• Build long-term regional supplier and subcontractor partnerships.

Financial, Commercial & Contractual Control

• Own project and regional financial performance and profitability.
• Drive cost control, forecasting, and reporting to executive leadership.
• Identify efficiency and cost-optimization opportunities.
• Support bids with commercial inputs, estimates, and contractual strategies.
• Lead claims, variations, LD risk, and change management (MoC) across the portfolio.

Risk, Quality & Governance

• Identify and manage strategic and project-level risks across the MENA portfolio.
• Ensure all projects implement structured risk management models and audits.
• Set and enforce quality frameworks in coordination with PQM and QA/QC teams.
• Lead corrective and preventive actions for systemic improvements.

Stakeholder & Client Leadership

• Act as a senior interface with clients, partners, and internal leadership.
• Lead governance forums and executive reviews.
• Deliver clear, structured communication including reports, dashboards, MoMs, and action tracking.
• Build trusted, long-term client relationships across the region.

Health, Safety & Environmental Leadership

• Champion a zero-incident safety culture across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with company, client, and regulatory HSE standards.
• Promote “Speak Up” and “Stand Back” behaviours across execution teams.
• Drive sustainable and environmentally responsible project execution.

What You Bring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field
• PMP certification preferred
• Fluent in English (Arabic is a strong advantage)

Experience

• 15+ years in project management, including 8+ years in leadership roles
• Strong background in Energy sectors (Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power, Water).
• Experience with EPC, construction, fabrication yards, or manufacturing.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects, teams, and clients simultaneously.
• Expert application of project management tools, systems, and methodologies.

Why Join Us

• Regional leadership role with real strategic and financial ownership.
• Opportunity to shape how projects are delivered across MENA.
• High-impact position working with senior leadership and major clients.
• Platform to build long-term, profitable, repeat business across the region.

Location & Travel

Abu Dhabi

About The Shaw Group

The Shaw Group is a leading provider of industrial fabrication and specialty services, delivering innovative solutions across energy and infrastructure sectors. With a commitment to safety, quality, and customer success, we empower our teams to drive excellence and shape the future of our industry.

EEO & Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. If you need accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.