Senior Project Director – Aviation

WSP in the Middle East is currently hiring for a Project Director – Aviation to join our team in KSA. The Project Director holds full accountability for the successful delivery of a major aviation programme within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a strong emphasis on airport design modernisation and infrastructure enhancement. This senior leadership role provides strategic direction to multi ‑ disciplinary teams, ensures strict alignment with client and contractual expectations, and represents WSP at the highest levels with authorities, stakeholders, and executive decision ‑ makers. The position carries responsibility for the complete spectrum of project performance, including schedule management, technical delivery, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and commercial governance.

Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to all project teams operating on-site and across remote support functions.
• Establish and maintain a strong governance framework ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, reporting lines, and escalation protocols.
• Drive a culture of delivery excellence, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, ensuring transparent communication, alignment on objectives, and proactive issue resolution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client representatives, aviation authorities, regulatory bodies, and key external stakeholders.
• Represent WSP in high-level steering committees, progress reviews, and commercial discussions.

Project Delivery & Execution

• Lead the overall delivery of the aviation project from initiation to handover, ensuring compliance with contractual, technical, and statutory requirements.
• Oversee planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases, ensuring deliverables meet required standards.
• Monitor schedule performance, identify critical paths, and implement recovery plans when required.

Quality Assurance & Technical Oversight

• Ensure adherence to WSP quality frameworks, aviation standards, and global best practice.
• Drive technical excellence across all engineering, design, and operational workstreams.
• Review and validate key technical submissions, design packages, and project deliverables.

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Establish and manage a robust risk management strategy, covering technical, commercial, operational, and external risks.
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with HSE regulations and WSP safety principles.
• Implement proactive measures to mitigate project risks and ensure long-term programme stability.

Commercial, Financial & Contract Management

• Provide oversight of all commercial activities including contract performance, change management, claims avoidance, and budget control.
• Ensure financial integrity through accurate forecasting, cost monitoring, and commercial reporting.
• Lead commercial negotiations where required, safeguarding WSP’s contractual and financial position.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing multi-disciplinary project team.
• Ensure optimal resource planning, performance management, and succession planning.
• Promote collaboration across WSP teams in KSA, the UAE, and global support offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Aviation Management, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of experience in project and programme delivery, with significant exposure to large-scale aviation, airports, or complex infrastructure programmes.
• Proven track record in leading multi-billion SAR aviation or transport projects in the Middle East (KSA experience preferred).
• Strong background in PMC/consultancy environments with familiarity in contract administration (FIDIC or similar).

Technical & Leadership Competencies

• Deep understanding of aviation standards, airport systems, airside/landside operations, and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing large budgets and complex contracts.
• Ability to lead diverse teams across multiple geographies and disciplines.