Project Director – Aviation

<div><p>WSP in the Middle East is currently hiring for a Project Director – Aviation to join our team in Dammam, Eastern Province, KSA. The Project Director holds full accountability for the successful delivery of a major aviation programme within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a strong emphasis on airport design modernisation and infrastructure enhancement. This senior leadership role provides strategic direction to multi-disciplinary teams, ensures strict alignment with client and contractual expectations, and represents WSP at the highest levels with authorities, stakeholders, and executive decision-makers. The position carries responsibility for the complete spectrum of project performance, including schedule management, technical delivery, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and commercial governance.</p><h3>Responsibilities</h3><h3>Strategic Leadership&Governance</h3><ul><li>Provide strategic direction and leadership to all project teams operating on-site and across remote support functions.</li><li>Establish and maintain a strong governance framework ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, reporting lines, and escalation protocols.</li><li>Drive a culture of delivery excellence, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.</li></ul><h3>Client&Stakeholder Management</h3><ul><li>Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, ensuring transparent communication, alignment on objectives, and proactive issue resolution.</li><li>Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client representatives, aviation authorities, regulatory bodies, and key external stakeholders.</li><li>Represent WSP in high-level steering committees, progress reviews, and commercial discussions.</li></ul><h3>Project Delivery&Execution</h3><ul><li>Lead the overall delivery of the aviation project from initiation to handover, ensuring compliance with contractual, technical, and statutory requirements.</li><li>Oversee planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases, ensuring deliverables meet required standards.</li><li>Monitor schedule performance, identify critical paths, and implement recovery plans when required.</li></ul><h3>Quality Assurance&Technical Oversight</h3><ul><li>Ensure adherence to WSP quality frameworks, aviation standards, and global best practice.</li><li>Drive technical excellence across all engineering, design, and operational workstreams.</li><li>Review and validate key technical submissions, design packages, and project deliverables.</li></ul><h3>Risk, Safety&Compliance</h3><ul><li>Establish and manage a robust risk management strategy, covering technical, commercial, operational, and external risks.</li><li>Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with HSE regulations and WSP safety principles.</li><li>Implement proactive measures to mitigate project risks and ensure long-term programme stability.</li></ul><h3>Commercial, Financial&Contract Management</h3><ul><li>Provide oversight of all commercial activities including contract performance, change management, claims avoidance, and budget control.</li><li>Ensure financial integrity through accurate forecasting, cost monitoring, and commercial reporting.</li><li>Lead commercial negotiations where required, safeguarding WSP’s contractual and financial position.</li></ul><h3>Team Leadership&People Management</h3><ul><li>Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing multi-disciplinary project team.</li><li>Ensure optimal resource planning, performance management, and succession planning.</li><li>Promote collaboration across WSP teams in KSA, the UAE, and global support offices.</li></ul><h3>Qualifications</h3><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Aviation Management, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).</li><li>20+ years of experience in project and programme delivery, with significant exposure to large-scale aviation, airports, or complex infrastructure programmes.</li><li>Proven track record in leading multi-billion SAR aviation or transport projects in the Middle East (KSA experience preferred).</li><li>Strong background in PMC/consultancy environments with familiarity in contract administration (FIDIC or similar).</li></ul><h3>Technical&Leadership Competencies</h3><ul><li>Deep understanding of aviation standards, airport systems, airside/landside operations, and regulatory frameworks.</li><li>Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills.</li><li>Strong commercial acumen with experience managing large budgets and complex contracts.</li><li>Ability to lead diverse teams across multiple geographies and disciplines.</li></ul></div>#J-18808-Ljbffr