Vice President Projects (Technical Affairs)

Role overview

This executive role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and sits within a semi-government organization. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Group Chief Operating Officer (COO). The Vice President of Projects (Technical Affairs) will lead the end-to-end delivery and governance of the organization’s capital project portfolio, making sure every project is executed safely, efficiently, and in line with budget, regulations, and global industry standards.

The position carries responsibility for strategic direction across engineering, design, construction, and project delivery functions. It also requires close coordination with internal teams, consultants, contractors, regulators, and senior stakeholders to maintain strong project control, risk management, quality assurance, and innovation throughout the lifecycle.

Strategic leadership

• Set and implement the organization’s project delivery approach so it supports corporate goals and long-term development plans.
• Oversee the technical affairs and project management streams for all capital development and infrastructure programs.
• Build and maintain governance structures, policies, standards, and controls that support successful execution.
• Provide senior management with advice on technical, engineering, and project-related issues.

Project development and delivery

• Manage the full project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, concept development, planning, procurement, construction, commissioning, and final handover.
• Ensure project outcomes stay aligned with approved scope, timelines, budget, and quality expectations.
• Track performance through KPIs and executive-level reporting.
• Assess and sign off on execution plans, technical specifications, engineering designs, and construction approaches.
• Drive value engineering initiatives that improve cost efficiency without compromising quality or operational needs.

Engineering and technical affairs

• Direct all engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure works.
• Ensure all work complies with local laws, building regulations, industry codes, and international engineering standards.
• Lead technical reviews, design coordination, constructability checks, and technical due diligence activities.
• Promote the use of modern construction methods, innovation, and digital engineering tools.

Stakeholder management

• Maintain effective relationships with government entities, regulators, consultants, contractors, and strategic partners.
• Work with internal business units to ensure project goals support operational and commercial requirements.
• Present progress updates, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and governance bodies.

Financial and commercial oversight

• Prepare and manage annual project budgets and capital expenditure plans.
• Monitor financial performance across projects and implement strong cost-control measures.
• Review and approve significant contracts, variation orders, claims, and procurement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency and operating performance.

Risk, quality, and compliance

• Put in place strong risk management systems across the project portfolio.
• Ensure quality management processes and project assurance practices are effectively applied.
• Encourage a culture focused on health, safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.
• Lead mitigation actions for delays, risks, and critical project issues.

Leadership and organizational development

• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing engineering, technical, and project management teams.
• Strengthen internal capability in project management, engineering excellence, and technical governance.
• Create a work culture centered on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a closely related discipline is required.
• A master’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related area is preferred.
• Professional credentials such as PMP, PgMP, PMI-RMP, PE, Chartered Engineer, or a comparable certification are considered highly desirable.

Experience

• 15 to 20 years of progressive experience in engineering, construction, project management, or technical leadership is required.
• At least 8 to 10 years should be at senior executive level managing large-scale projects.
• Hands-on experience with complex capital projects and development programs valued at multi-billion SAR is expected.
• A strong track record in project governance, engineering management, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement is essential.

Core competencies

The role calls for strong executive leadership, strategic planning, portfolio oversight, engineering and construction management, technical governance, financial and commercial acumen, risk control, contract administration, quality assurance, stakeholder management, change management, negotiation, influence, decision-making, and team development.

Key performance indicators

Performance will be measured by timely delivery within approved budget and schedule, capital portfolio results, project quality and compliance scores, health, safety and environmental performance, value engineering outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, risk mitigation effectiveness, audit compliance, and team capability development/succession readiness.