Associate Director, Infrastructure Project Delivery

About the role

WhiteCrow Research, a global talent research and sourcing firm, is recruiting on behalf of a fast-growing retail group in the Middle East. The Associate Director of Infrastructure Project Delivery leads large-scale infrastructure projects in Dubai, from procurement and construction through commissioning and handover, and acts as the main focal point for authority approvals.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Director in defining project delivery strategies, execution plans, governance and operational priorities aligned with the business plan.
• Lead assigned projects and work packages through procurement, construction, testing, commissioning and handover, accountable for scope, programme, cost, quality, safety and sustainability.
• Direct consultants, contractors, utility providers and internal teams across roads, drainage, sewerage, water, irrigation, power, district cooling, telecommunications and civil works.
• Maintain integrated schedules, budgets, cash-flow forecasts, risk registers and performance dashboards, and implement mitigation and escalation measures.
• Oversee technical reviews, constructability assessments, value engineering, interface management and design change control.
• Manage procurement and contract administration, including tender evaluation, payments, variations, claims and commercial close-out under the Delegation of Authority.
• Develop the authority approvals strategy and manage submissions, NOCs, permits, inspections and completion certificates.
• Coordinate formal engagement with RTA, DEWA, Dubai Municipality, DDA/Trakhees, Civil Defence and other authorities, chair coordination meetings and track approvals.
• Ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, contracts and QHSE standards, and drive closure of NCRs, defects and audit findings.
• Lead project, technical, commercial and progress reviews and report to senior management.
• Manage interfaces with master planning, design, commercial, finance, legal and handover teams, and resolve critical site and stakeholder issues.
• Coach and lead the project team, promote accountability and adopt industry best practices and digital delivery tools.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline from a recognised university.
• Professional engineering registration and/or a recognised project management qualification (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in infrastructure project delivery, including at least 5 years in a senior project management or leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale roads, utilities and master-development projects through design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover.
• Substantial UAE experience is preferred, with practical knowledge of Dubai authorities, utility providers and regulatory requirements.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of infrastructure design and construction standards, contract administration and project controls.
• Knowledge of Dubai authority approval processes.