Project Director Construction in Saudi Arabia Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Our client is a well-established Saudi real estate development and main contracting company with a strong track record in large-scale high-rise, hospitality, mixed-use and commercial developments. The company is embarking on a major new development in Makkah and is seeking an experienced, internationally minded Project Director to take executive responsibility for the successful delivery of this flagship project. The position offers a unique opportunity to assume a highly visible leadership role within a growing organization and to work directly with the company’s senior ownership and leadership.
The Opportunity
As Project Director, you will have overall responsibility for construction and project delivery, from mobilization and procurement through execution, commissioning and final handover. The role combines operational construction leadership with strategic and organizational responsibility. You will establish clear priorities, drive execution excellence, strengthen project controls and build a high-performing multidisciplinary organization. The position reports directly to the Board and Chairman and carries significant decision-making responsibility.
Key Responsibilities Take overall executive responsibility for the successful delivery of major construction projects in Makkah. Lead the project from mobilisation, planning, engineering and procurement through construction, commissioning and final handover. Ensure delivery against approved cost, schedule, quality, HSE and contractual requirements. Lead and develop a multidisciplinary organisation with approximately 10 direct reports and broader project responsibility. Establish clear accountability, performance standards and a strong execution-oriented culture. Oversee project budgets, cash flow, procurement, contracts, commercial performance and key project risks. Lead and coordinate Project Management, Engineering, MEP, Planning, HSE and corporate support functions. Drive the professionalisation of project structures, processes, reporting systems, project controls and decision-making. Manage relationships with authorities, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and other key stakeholders. Represent the organisation at senior executive level and provide regular reporting to the Board and Chairman. Undertake regular business travel to Switzerland as required.
Your Profile We are looking for an experienced construction executive with a strong main contracting and project delivery background.
Required Qualifications & Experience Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a comparable technical discipline. Extensive senior-level experience in construction and major project delivery. Minimum 7–10 years of professional construction experience in the DACH region (Germany, Austria or Switzerland), combined with a minimum of 15+ years of total senior construction experience. Proven track record in delivering complex, large-scale construction projects. Strong main contractor experience with end-to-end responsibility for project delivery. Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams. Strong commercial understanding, including cost control, procurement, contracts and project performance. Excellent strategic, decision-making, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills. Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory. Arabic language skills are a significant advantage. International or GCC construction experience is highly desirable. Willingness to be permanently based on site in Makkah, five days per week.
Important Requirement – Makkah Due to the special legal regulations governing the Holy City of Makkah, access to the place of employment is restricted exclusively to Muslims. Therefore, being of the Muslim faith is a mandatory requirement for this position.
The Offer Attractive Executive Package Contract: 1-year renewable contract with a minimum perspective of 5 years Annual base salary: from SAR 1,020,000 gross, depending on experience and qualifications Performance bonus: equivalent to up to 3 months’ salary Comprehensive medical insurance for the position holder and family Company car Annual return flights for the position holder and family30 days of paid annual leave Regular business travel to Switzerland Executive-level exposure with direct access to the Board and Chairman
This is a strategically important leadership position for an experienced construction executive seeking a long-term international assignment with substantial responsibility and decision-making authority. We look forward to receiving your application!