Project Director (Aviation Experienced) – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
About us:
Dokainish & Company is a global organization that has been providing world class professional consultancy services since 2011. We have recently launched our MENA operations, headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This opportunity will also expand our operations into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to support major government and private sector clients across aviation, infrastructure, construction, and large-scale capital development programs, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the region and our role in supporting visionary national transformation initiatives.
Overview:
Dokainish & Company is seeking an experienced Project Director with deep aviation sector expertise to lead strategic engagements across major airport development programs, airside infrastructure projects, and complex secure-facility construction initiatives. This role will oversee end-to-end project and program delivery, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, technical standards, and client objectives for mega-scale aviation assets.
This is a full-time position, and the selected candidate must be based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Key Responsibilities:
Lead overall delivery of aviation-related capital projects, including airport expansions, airside infrastructure, aircraft hangars, and secure operational facilities.
Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder engagement across multi-billion-riyal programs.
Oversee Design & Build (D&B) contract execution, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, technical standards, and client expectations.
Engage directly with regulators such as GACA, JEDCO, and national security stakeholders (e.g., Royal Guard) to ensure timely approvals and governance compliance.
Provide leadership to multidisciplinary engineering, construction, and program management teams, ensuring seamless coordination across all project phases.
Support PMO governance frameworks, performance tracking, executive reporting, and program risk assessments.
Drive continuous improvement, contractor performance oversight, and proactive issue resolution across complex project interfaces.
Requirements:
Candidate Profile
Senior industry leader with extensive aviation program delivery experience.
Skilled in navigating stakeholder environments involving regulators, security agencies, and airport operators.
Highly capable of overseeing multidisciplinary teams and complex project interfaces.
Strong decision-making ability, with a focus on execution, technical rigor, and risk-aware planning.
Able to provide strategic direction while maintaining hands-on oversight of critical project components.
Comfortable challenging assumptions constructively and guiding clients through complex technical and governance issues.
Required Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
20+ years of experience in large-scale project and program management.
10+ years of experience in aviation, including airports, airside infrastructure, aircraft hangars, or secure-facility development.
Proven track record managing mega Design & Build (D&B) contracts.
Strong stakeholder management experience with aviation and government authorities, including GACA, JEDCO, and Royal Guard.
Must have full professional proficiency in the English language.
Technical Skills
Deep knowledge of aviation infrastructure standards, regulations, and technical frameworks.
Proficiency in project management tools (Primavera P6, MS Project).
Strong competency in risk management, contract administration, and program controls.
Advanced Excel and reporting tools (Power BI preferred).
Education & Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical).
PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification preferred.
Location & Mobility
KSA-based
Regional travel flexibility required
Note: This role description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or qualifications required.