Project Director – Infrastructure & Bridges

Role Overview

The Project Director will play a pivotal executive leadership role, driving the strategic management and successful delivery of multiple bridge and transportation infrastructure projects. This position involves coordination across diverse teams, ensuring project objectives are met according to client expectations, contractual obligations, and industry best practices for safety, quality, budget, and timelines.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead all aspects of project governance, execution strategy, and performance monitoring for complex infrastructure works.
• Manage multifaceted teams, ensuring effective integration of engineering, construction, quality assurance, HSE (Health, Safety and Environment), and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Direct the delivery of large bridge structures and transportation systems, overseeing the interface with highways, utilities, and public realm works.
• Serve as the primary executive contact for client relationships, chairing high-level meetings and ensuring proactive communication on project status, risks, and decisions.
• Oversee all commercial, contractual, and financial aspects of projects, including budget monitoring, contract compliance, dispute resolution, and profitability assurance.
• Champion the implementation of rigorous project schedules, milestone tracking, and recovery planning when necessary.
• Provide technical oversight, ensuring compliance with project specifications and international standards while driving innovation and resolving engineering challenges.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive risk management structures, leading executive-level assessments and mitigation efforts.
• Promote a safety-first culture, environmental stewardship, and top-tier quality standards throughout all project phases.
• Recruit, mentor, and empower high-performing teams; oversee resource allocation and development of key talent.
• Maintain transparent, accurate reporting through executive dashboards and regular performance updates for senior leadership and clients.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline; Master’s or MBA preferred.
• Professional accreditations such as CEng, PE, or PMP strongly favored; institutional memberships (ICE, PMI, ASCE, or similar) are highly regarded.
• Proven leadership experience of at least 20 years within major infrastructure/transportation projects, including 10+ years at director or senior management level.
• Track record managing multidisciplinary teams on projects valued at over USD 500 million.
• Direct experience with major projects in Saudi Arabia or the GCC is advantageous.

Critical Skills

• Strong executive decision-making and strategic planning abilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of large-scale infrastructure project management, commercial and contractual negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and risk analysis.
• Expertise in scheduling, recovery planning, financial oversight, and operational leadership.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and client relationship management.
• Financial astuteness and commercial acumen essential.

Behavioral Competencies

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire multicultural, multidisciplinary teams.
• Outstanding communication, influencing, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and results-driven reliability.
• Ability to thrive in complex, high-pressure environments.

Additional Benefits

• Competitive, tax-free salary package.
• Comprehensive life and medical insurance plans.
• Annual paid leave and company gratuity scheme.
• Performance bonus program.
• Annual airfare allowance.
• Transport and housing support.
• Access to a holistic Employee Wellbeing Programme, offering 24/7 guidance on financial, legal, family, health, fitness, and nutrition matters.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a distinguished global engineering, design, and project management organization, renowned for shaping the future of infrastructure and energy systems. We connect expertise, data, and technology to lead innovation and sustainable solutions worldwide across varying market sectors.