Project Director

Role overview

This opportunity is for a senior Project Director to lead a major fast-track Design & Build assignment in Riyadh for a highly regarded developer in Saudi Arabia. The role sits on the client side and carries end-to-end accountability for delivery from early design through construction, commissioning, and final handover.

The position requires a strong engineering foundation, proven leadership at senior level, and deep experience in contract administration. Success in the role means keeping the project safe, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with demanding quality expectations.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the overall execution of a major Design & Build project and ensure it progresses successfully.
• Serve as the main representative for the client, coordinating consultants, contractors, and other key stakeholders throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Lead engineering coordination, design management, site delivery, commissioning, and handover activities.
• Oversee a wide range of facilities and works, including utility buildings, warehouse and office spaces, a fuel station, EV charging systems, hard standings, and external works.
• Handle construction contract administration with attention to compliance, change control, claim prevention, commercial discipline, and risk control.
• Track programme performance, manage project controls, prepare reporting, and maintain governance processes.
• Work through difficult technical, contractual, and commercial matters while protecting project objectives.
• Coordinate interfaces between multiple disciplines, contractors, and stakeholder groups.
• Ensure all permits, approvals, legal/statutory obligations, and client requirements are secured and maintained.
• Promote best practice in health and safety, quality, and overall delivery performance.

Candidate profile

• A degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural Engineering, or another relevant engineering field.
• Professional chartership or an equivalent engineering accreditation is beneficial.
• Substantial background leading large Design & Build construction projects.
• Experience working on the client side or with delivery partners on complex building or infrastructure schemes.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of contract administration, preferably including FIDIC or similar contract frameworks, plus change and claims management.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams, consultants, and major contractors effectively.
• Solid understanding of governance, scheduling, commercial oversight, and project control systems.
• Confident stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior client and delivery teams.
• Prior delivery experience on fast-track programmes is essential.
• Availability to join immediately or after only a short notice period.

Additional information

This is a high-profile leadership role with a globally recognised project delivery partner working on one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship developments. The assignment offers the chance to take a pivotal position in a prestigious, internationally significant project alongside a leading regional developer.