Project Director - Client Side

Job description / Role

The Projects Director is responsible for managing large-scale, multi-faceted real estate developments, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards.

This role involves overseeing project planning, stakeholder coordination, risk mitigation, and financial management while standardizing processes and driving strategic alignment with organizational objectives.

Client Details

Develop iconic projects across the UAE.

Description

Project Management & Execution

* Lead and oversee large, multi-faceted capital projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
* Manage project planning, budgeting, risk management, reporting, and quality assurance.
* Act as a central liaison between internal departments and external stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
* Ensure project deliverables are signed off and meet required standards.
* Maintain alignment between project execution and approved timelines, budgets, and resources.
* Standardize procurement strategies and document templates, including RFPs and contracts.

Quality Control, Risk Mitigation & Handover

* Develop and enforce quality assurance processes to meet contractual and regulatory requirements.
* Assess variation orders and their financial and operational impact before execution.
* Implement risk mitigation plans and corrective actions to protect project interests.
* Conduct final inspections and oversee the successful handover of completed projects to property management teams.

Financial & Budget Management

* Prepare milestone schedules and cash-flow forecasts in collaboration with other departments.
* Track overall project budgets, financial records, and expenses to ensure compliance.
* Contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the department's budget.

Strategy, Planning & Performance Monitoring

* Support the development of the department's annual business plan.
* Monitor performance metrics and generate reports for leadership review.
* Ensure consistent and standardized project management processes across all projects.

Stakeholder & People Management

* Collaborate with internal departments such as Finance, Tendering, and Engineering for project execution.
* Manage and mentor a team of project managers and engineers, providing performance feedback and professional development support.
* Ensure recruitment, training, and retention.

Compliance & Safety (EHS - Environment, Health & Safety)

* Ensure strict adherence to environmental, health, and safety policies and regulations.
* Promote sustainability and responsible resource consumption across projects.

Change Management & Communication

* Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the project management function.
* Standardize communication with all stakeholders to ensure clarity and efficiency.
* Provide regular updates to senior management on project progress, risks, and challenges.

Job Offer

The successful candidate will be offered a senior leadership position with a prestigious real estate organization, providing the opportunity to oversee landmark developments in the UAE. The role comes with a competitive package.

The successful candidate will be a seasoned project management leader with at least 25 years of experience, including 10+ years in senior roles within a real estate developer or project management consultancy.

They will have a strong track record in delivering large-scale developments (circa USD 1 billion), demonstrating expertise in project execution, risk management, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination.

A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture is required, with a preference for a master's degree in Business Administration or Construction Management. PMP certification is an advantage.

They must possess excellent leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage complex projects while ensuring quality, compliance, and financial efficiency.

About the Company

Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.

The Group has operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In the Middle East we focus on the areas of:

Finance & Accounting Banking & Financial Services Procurement Property & Construction Engineering & Supply Chain Oil & Gas Technical and Engineering Human Resources Sales Marketing Technology Secretarial Executive Search Legal

The Group operates through 161 offices in 33 countries and employs over 5,000 employees worldwide.