Project Director - Major Projects Portfolio

About the role

JLL is looking for a Project Director to own the delivery of a portfolio of major projects or one large programme for JLL Project & Development Services (PDS) clients. You will be the senior accountable lead for outcomes across programme, cost, quality, safety and risk, and the client's trusted advisor at executive level, building and leading the Project Management team.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the senior PDS contact for client executives, build long-term client relationships and represent JLL in senior client, authority and stakeholder forums
• Set and maintain delivery governance, including execution plans, reporting lines, decision rights and communication protocols, and ensure Project Managers follow JLL PDS standards
• Review project health regularly, intervene early on off-track projects and report status to PDS leadership
• Lead, coach and develop Project Managers and Associate Project Managers, and build a culture of accountability, safety and technical rigour
• Own the review of master programmes, critical path risks and recovery strategies, and oversee budget control, forecasting, variations, claims and extension of time positions
• Oversee fee proposals, scope definitions and appointment terms, and design, procurement, tender evaluation and contract award
• Ensure quality, inspection, testing, commissioning and handover regimes are followed and works comply with approved designs and specifications
• Set safety expectations, review HSE performance and incidents, maintain project and portfolio risk registers and lead risk reviews

Required profile

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or a related discipline
• 18 to 25 years' experience in construction and project management, including at least 8 years leading large-scale projects as Project Director, Senior Project Manager or equivalent
• Proven record delivering complex projects from inception through design, construction and handover for institutional or corporate clients
• Minimum 5 years' PMC or consultancy experience in the UAE, with strong knowledge of local authorities, contracting practice and market conditions
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary project teams and strong knowledge of FIDIC and equivalent contracts

Required skills

• Commercial awareness, including fee proposal development and scope and risk review
• Proficiency in MS Office and project reporting tools, and working knowledge of Primavera P6 outputs and CDE platforms
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and communication skills, with executive-level credibility
• Desirable: data center or mission-critical project experience, Middle East / EMEA experience, PMP, PRINCE2, chartered engineer, CIOB or RICS membership, and NEBOSH or IOSH certification