Job Purpose

The Project Director for Airport Planning and Aviation Design is to provide a full range of design review, engineering and project management services for buildings, transportation, and other infrastructure packages.

The Aviation/Airport Project Director is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing and managing aviation-related projects from inception to completion. The role requires strong leadership, project management skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the airport industry. This role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, engaging with stakeholders, managing budgets and schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Project Director plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality, efficient, and safe airport facilities that meet the needs of clients and stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities - Leadership

Strategic Contribution

• Project Planning: discuss and execute comprehensive project plans, including defining project scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Team Management: Lead and coordinate a team of professionals involved in the project, such as engineers, architects, consultants, and contractors. Also provide strategic direction and leadership for airport planning and aviation design projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Budget Management: Establish and control project budgets, ensuring that the project is delivered within the allocated financial constraints and milestones.
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and challenges throughout the project lifecycle and develop mitigation strategies to address them effectively to minimize disruptions and ensure project success. Monitor project progress and address any issues or challenges that arise.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and regular communication with key stakeholders, including government, airport authorities, airlines, and local communities to gather input, address concerns, and ensure stakeholder buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.

Job Responsibilities - Functional

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the project adheres to all applicable aviation regulations, safety standards, legal requirements, environmental laws, and best practices.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality assurance processes to ensure that project deliverables meet or exceed industry standards and RSG expectations.
• Communication: Facilitate clear and effective communication among project team members, stakeholders, and other relevant parties. Provide regular updates and reports on project status, milestones, and key issues.
• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve challenges and conflicts that may arise during the course of the project, keeping it on track and minimizing disruptions to project timelines and budgets.
• Change Management: Handle changes in project scope, schedule, or resources and ensure that any modifications are documented and communicated appropriately.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation to enhance project efficiency, effectiveness, and client satisfaction.

Job Stakeholders - Internal

Senior stakeholders, Architecture, Development, MEP, Structural and RSG’ functions as needed

Job Stakeholders - External

Operators, vendors, consultants, contractors, and authorities

Job Requirements - Qualification & Experience

Education:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in aviation management, Engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field is typically required.

• Advanced certifications in project management can be advantageous.
• Professional registration of applicable field expected.

Experience:

• Extensive relevant experience (15+ years) in proven experience in project management, with a focus on airport planning, design, infrastructure development.
• Demonstrable knowledge, experience and expertise in passenger terminal and airport buildings and infrastructure development design management and client-side technical leadership.
• Proven track record of successfully managing design projects from concept to completion.
• Client-side design management experience (considered advantageous).
• Previous Middle East residency/experience (considered advantageous).

Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the aviation industry, including its regulations, best practices, and emerging trends related to airport planning and design

Job Requirements - Skills

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership abilities with the capability to motivate and manage a diverse team effectively.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with various stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, and present project updates and proposals effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify issues, make data-driven decisions, and implement effective solutions.
• Time Management: Exceptional time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Technical Competence and Ability
• Project controls knowledge
• Commercial management awareness

Job Context

• Typical site office environment co-located with the Airport Technical & Construction Delivery Team with few occasions for remote work at head office.
• Travel will be required for consultants’ meetings, industry conferences, and workshops in KSA and Internationally.