Role Overview
The Project Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and delivery oversight across one or multiple construction projects for a contracting organisation in Dubai. This role holds overall accountability for programme, cost, quality, safety, and contractual compliance, while ensuring effective coordination between project teams, clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
The position requires strong leadership capability, commercial awareness, and experience delivering complex construction projects within a live contracting environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership and Delivery
- Provide executive oversight of project delivery through direct management of Project Managers and senior site leadership
- Ensure projects are executed in line with contractual obligations, approved programmes, budgets, and quality standards
- Champion health, safety, environmental, and quality compliance across all projects
- Review and approve project execution strategies, construction methodologies, and delivery plans
2. Team Leadership and Performance Management
- Lead, mentor, and support Project Managers and senior operational staff
- Set clear performance expectations and drive accountability across project teams
- Chair regular leadership and progress meetings to ensure alignment and issue resolution
- Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture
3. Governance, Reporting, and Controls
- Ensure accurate project reporting, documentation, and controls are maintained
- Review internal and external reports prior to client or senior management submission
- Monitor project risk, programme performance, and change management processes
4. Commercial and Financial Oversight
- Maintain overall accountability for project financial performance
- Oversee cost control, forecasting, variations, and claims management in coordination with commercial teams
- Identify opportunities for value engineering, efficiencies, and risk mitigation
5. Client and Stakeholder Management
- Act as the senior point of contact for clients, consultants, and key stakeholders
- Manage escalations, contractual discussions, and high-level negotiations
- Build and maintain long-term client relationships through effective communication and delivery
6. Resource Planning and Operational Support
- Ensure projects are adequately resourced to meet programme and quality requirements
- Support procurement and supply chain strategies in coordination with internal teams
- Provide strategic input to project planning and mobilisation activities
Industry
- Construction (Contractor)
Experience and Knowledge Requirements
- Minimum 1820 years experience within the construction industry
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership role such as Project Director, Senior Project Manager, or Operations Manager
- Proven experience delivering large-scale or complex projects in a contracting environment
- Strong understanding of project governance, commercial management, and delivery systems
- Experience working in the UAE or GCC is highly desirable
Education and Professional Credentials
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline
- Professional certifications (PMP, CIOB, or equivalent) are advantageous
Technical and Professional Skills
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- High level of commercial awareness and contractual understanding
- Proficiency in standard project reporting and management tools
- Ability to assess complex issues, make informed decisions, and drive outcomes
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
