Project Director / Construction Director

Job Title: Project Director – Building Construction

Department: Projects / Construction Operations
Reporting To: General Manager / Operations Director
Location: UAE (Project Site / Head Office as Required)

Position Overview

The Project Director is the overall leader and accountable authority for the successful delivery of major building construction projects — from mobilization through completion and handover.
This role carries full responsibility for cost, time, quality, safety, and client satisfaction, while ensuring alignment with company objectives, contractual obligations, and strategic growth targets.
The Project Director acts as the single point of leadership — orchestrating design, engineering, commercial, and construction teams to deliver excellence under demanding conditions.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the overall project delivery strategy, ensuring that scope, schedule, and cost targets are achieved.
• Lead project planning, resourcing, risk management, and stakeholder engagement in line with contractual requirements.
• Translate organizational goals into actionable site execution plans, ensuring alignment with company vision and standards.
• Represent the company in all client, consultant, and stakeholder forums with authority and professionalism.

2. Project Delivery & Execution

• Direct and oversee all phases of project execution including design coordination, procurement, construction, and handover.
• Ensure strict adherence to specifications, drawings, and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, progress S-curves, and earned value metrics.
• Enforce project control systems for cost, schedule, safety, and quality compliance.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks — technical, contractual, and operational — to ensure uninterrupted project progress.

3. Financial & Commercial Management

• Own the project P&L: budget planning, cost monitoring, and margin protection.
• Review and approve subcontractor and supplier packages, variations, and claims.
• Work closely with the commercial and contracts team to ensure financial discipline and timely invoicing/certification.
• Support in negotiations with clients, consultants, and authorities for claims, EOTs, and final settlements.

4. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead multidisciplinary teams including Construction Managers, Engineers, QS, HSE, and QA/QC personnel.
• Build a strong culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop project managers and engineers for succession readiness.
• Ensure that site operations are adequately staffed, motivated, and aligned with project objectives.

5. Stakeholder & Client Relations

• Maintain robust relationships with clients, consultants, and authorities to ensure smooth communication and approvals.
• Conduct regular progress meetings and issue executive-level project reports.
• Manage change processes professionally, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding with all stakeholders.

6. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Enforce a “Zero-Accident” culture and ensure compliance with UAE HSE regulations and company policies.
• Uphold the highest standards of quality and workmanship across all trades and disciplines.
• Ensure that all activities are performed in accordance with ISO standards, FIDIC conditions, and local authority requirements.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering / Construction Management (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 18–25 years in the construction industry, with at least 7–10 years in senior leadership roles (Project Director / Senior Project Manager) handling large-scale building projects (mixed-use, high-rise, hospitality, residential, commercial).
• Technical Expertise:
  Proven track record of delivering complex, fast-track projects in the GCC.
  In-depth understanding of construction methodologies, design coordination, and MEP integration.
  Strong commercial and contractual awareness (FIDIC, EOT, variations).
  Proficiency in project management tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, Power BI dashboards).
• Soft Skills:
  Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
  Strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving ability.
  Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  Culturally adaptive and able to lead diverse teams under pressure.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Project Leadership
• P&L Ownership and Cost Control
• Design & Engineering Coordination
• Stakeholder and Client Relationship Management
• Risk & Change Management
• Quality, Safety, and Compliance Oversight
• People Development and Team Building
• Contractual and Commercial Acumen