Senior Project Director

WE ARE HIRING

Senior Project Director

Dubai, United Arab Emirates _ Full-Time Senior Management_

Position: Senior Project Director

Department: Projects / Development

Reports To: Senior Management / Executive Leadership

Location: Dubai, UAE

Contract: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (Renewable)

Experience: Minimum 15 years, with 5+ years in senior leadership

ABOUT US

Al Seeb Real Estate Development LLC, a division of Al Safeer Group, is a Dubai-based real estate developer with a growing and ambitious portfolio of landmark projects. Our developments span residential, commercial, mixed-use, and hospitality asset classes, ranging from mid-rise to super high-rise typologies, and include both internationally branded and bespoke developments across prime locations in Dubai. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality, innovative design, and lasting value in everything we build.

As we scale our project pipeline, we are looking for an experienced and dynamic Senior Project Director to lead the delivery of our current and future developments. This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing developer at a pivotal stage of its growth and to play a central role in shaping how the Company delivers some of Dubai’s most significant new projects.

THE ROLE

The Senior Project Director will be the most senior operational leader responsible for the end-to-end delivery of all projects within the Company’s portfolio. This encompasses every phase of the development lifecycle — from pre-development feasibility support and concept design through to construction completion, buyer and tenant handover, and defects liability management. The role carries full accountability for project budgets, timelines, quality, procurement, consultant and contractor performance, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and stakeholder coordination.

A key differentiator of this role is the expectation to drive procurement and sourcing efficiencies across the entire supply chain, including direct sourcing from international manufacturers and fabricators where this delivers superior value. The Senior Project Director will also champion sustainability and green building practices across the portfolio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Leadership and Delivery

• Assume overall accountability for the delivery of all development projects regardless of asset class, building height, or branding structure.
• Lead the full project lifecycle from feasibility and concept design through construction, commissioning, handover, and defects liability management.
• Develop and maintain project master schedules, critical path analysis, risk registers, and milestone tracking for all active and pipeline projects.
• Establish project governance frameworks, including reporting structures, escalation procedures, and change management processes.

Budget, Cost Control and Financial Performance

• Take full ownership of project budgets from feasibility through to final account settlement.
• Monitor and control project expenditure, including monthly cost reporting, cash flow forecasting, commitment tracking, and variance analysis.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimise cost without compromising quality or design intent.
• Approve payment certificates, variation orders, and claims within delegated authority limits.
• Conduct life-cycle cost analysis to inform material and system specification decisions.

Procurement, Sourcing and Supply Chain Management

• Develop procurement strategies that maximise value, quality, and delivery certainty while minimising cost.
• Identify and pursue direct sourcing opportunities from international manufacturers and fabricators (“factory to client”), bypassing traditional intermediaries where advantageous.
• Evaluate alternative sourcing markets for key materials and building systems across international markets.
• Leverage bulk procurement across multiple projects to achieve economies of scale.
• Establish and maintain a vetted supplier database with performance ratings and pricing benchmarks.
• Oversee logistics, shipping, and delivery coordination for directly sourced materials.

Design and Consultant Management

• Manage and coordinate the full spectrum of consultants and sub-consultants, including architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, façade consultants, interior designers, landscape architects, and all specialist advisors.
• Review and approve design deliverables for compliance with project briefs, regulations, and quality standards.
• Monitor consultant performance and initiate corrective actions as required.
• Manage design change control, BIM coordination, and cross-disciplinary integration.

Contractor, Subcontractor and Vendor Management

• Oversee pre-qualification, tendering, evaluation, and appointment of main contractors, subcontractors, nominated suppliers, and all third-party service providers.
• Manage contractor performance during construction, ensuring adherence to specifications, quality, safety, and programme.
• Manage contractual claims, disputes, and variations in coordination with legal and commercial teams.
• Oversee all third-party testing, inspection, and commissioning activities.
• Negotiate and manage service contracts with all third-party vendors and service providers.

Regulatory and Authority Approvals

• Lead all regulatory approval processes with Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defense, DEWA, RTA, and other relevant authorities.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable building codes, fire safety, life safety, accessibility, and environmental regulations.
• Proactively resolve compliance issues and maintain a comprehensive approvals tracker.

Sustainability and Green Building

• Champion sustainability across all projects, ensuring compliance with ESG commitments and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee pursuit of green building certifications including Al Sa’fat, Estidama, LEED, and WELL as required.
• Integrate sustainable design, energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible sourcing into project delivery.

Sales Coordination and Handover Management

• Coordinate with sales and marketing teams to align delivery timelines with buyer expectations and sales commitments.
• Lead the unit handover process, ensuring quality completion, resolution of punch list items, and delivery of all handover documentation.
• Manage the defects liability period, including responsive defects rectification systems and tracking to closure.
• Ensure handover experiences reflect the Company’s standards and contribute positively to customer satisfaction and market reputation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all project-related matters with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, brand partners, sales partners, and legal counsel.
• Prepare and present regular project status reports, risk assessments, and financial summaries to senior management.
• Represent the Company in meetings with government authorities, industry bodies, and strategic partners.

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing project delivery team across all disciplines.
• Establish clear performance objectives and conduct regular reviews for direct reports.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree (MBA, MSc in Construction Management, Project Management, or Real Estate Development) is highly preferred.

Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in real estate development and construction project management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Project Director or equivalent) overseeing delivery of complex, large-scale developments. Experience across multiple building typologies — including high-rise and super high-rise residential, commercial, mixed-use, and hospitality projects — is essential. Demonstrable experience working in the UAE with thorough understanding of Dubai’s regulatory environment is required. Experience with branded developments, direct material sourcing, and value engineering is a significant advantage.

Professional Certifications (Preferred)

PMP, MRICS, Chartered Engineer (CEng), LEED AP, Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional (PQP), or equivalent professional body membership.

KEY COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the capacity to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. Strong commercial and financial acumen is essential, particularly in driving procurement efficiencies and delivering measurable cost savings. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required, with the ability to manage relationships across diverse stakeholders — from government authorities and brand partners to manufacturers, contractors, and end-users. Deep technical knowledge across building systems, structural typologies, MEP, façade engineering, and fit-out standards is expected. Familiarity with sustainability frameworks and green building certification processes is required. Fluency in English is essential; Arabic proficiency is a distinct advantage.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A senior leadership position within a fast-growing, ambitious Dubai-based developer with a significant and expanding project portfolio.
• Direct involvement in shaping the delivery of landmark developments across Dubai.
• Competitive, all-inclusive compensation package commensurate with experience and seniority.
• Full UAE employment visa sponsorship.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Annual leave of 30 calendar days plus UAE public holidays.
• Annual air ticket to home country.
• End-of-service gratuity as per UAE Labour Law.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are a results-driven project leader with the experience, ambition, and expertise to deliver landmark developments, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and current notice period to:

jobs@seeb.ae

Please reference “Senior Project Director” in the subject line of your application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

Al Seeb Real Estate Development LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED30,000.00 - AED50,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Q1: List all projects you led as Project Director (not deputy) in the past 10 years: project name, location, asset class, floors, GFA, budget, role and duration. State the largest budget you fully owned, the approved amount, final cost, and variance as a percentage and absolute figure.

Q2: Describe one procurement or value engineering initiative you personally drove that saved at least AED 5 million. State the original spec, the alternative you proposed or sourcing strategy adopted, how quality was maintained, and the exact saving.

Q3: Describe a situation where a lead consultant or main contractor significantly underperformed on your project. What was the issue, what contractual mechanisms did you invoke (cure notices, withholding fees, penalties, or termination), and what was the outcome? Be specific about value and timeline.