Deputy Project Director - HVAC

About Daikin Middle East & Africa

Daikin Middle East & Africa, a part of Daikin Industries Ltd., is a leader in heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and refrigeration solutions. The company designs and manufactures a broad range of equipment and customized solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Operating with more than 12,000 employees in over 59 subsidiaries and 12 major factories located across Europe, Daikin aims to drive sustainable climate solutions for future generations.

Role Overview

The Deputy Project Director – HVAC is a vital leadership position based in Jeddah or Riyadh, responsible for leading the strategic direction, governance, and flawless execution of the projects portfolio in Saudi Arabia. The role encompasses oversight of chiller replacement, HVAC retrofits, VRV systems supply and installation, and comprehensive turnkey EPC projects, ensuring efficient project lifecycles from sales handover through completion, while maximizing profitability, operational effectiveness, and client satisfaction. Additionally, it plays a central role in expanding the projects division, reinforcing governance, and integrating best practice project management aligned with Daikin's global standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the national project delivery strategy aligned with business goals and profit objectives.
• Implement standardized project management frameworks, robust governance, and operational protocols consistent with global benchmarks.
• Champion digital tool adoption to enhance project planning, monitoring, and reporting clarity.
• Oversee and optimize the nationwide project portfolio, prioritizing initiatives and allocating resources effectively.
• Manage major programs such as chiller replacements, HVAC retrofits, VRV systems, and turnkey EPC projects ensuring timely, budget-compliant, and quality delivery.
• Detect portfolio risks early and deploy mitigation and recovery strategies.
• Assume full P&L accountability for the projects division, driving revenue growth, margin enhancement, and cost optimization.
• Authorize and supervise project budgets, forecasts, and financial outcomes.
• Manage contracts rigorously, including handling variations, claims, and conflict resolutions.
• Improve cash flow through disciplined billing, collection processes, and cost control.
• Standardize project execution approaches to secure consistent, efficient operations.
• Promote continuous progress in productivity, cost containment, and schedule adherence.
• Establish and monitor KPIs with real-time dashboards for performance oversight.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, local regulatory requirements, and health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Lead, mentor, and build a high-caliber team of project managers, engineers, and support personnel.
• Foster a culture emphasizing accountability, ownership, and superior performance.
• Identify skill deficiencies and drive targeted development programs and succession planning.
• Enhance collaboration across sales, engineering, procurement, and services teams.
• Serve as the senior executive liaison for critical clients, consultants, and governmental partners.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic customer and partner relationships.
• Support tender preparations and align technical and commercial aspects in pre-award stages.
• Drive client satisfaction to promote business retention and enduring partnerships.
• Develop and enforce comprehensive risk management frameworks across projects.
• Ensure adherence to contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements within the Saudi context.
• Oversee quality assurance and control throughout all project phases.
• Address serious issues, escalations, and devise recovery plans promptly.
• Manage structured project closeouts including all required documentation and financial reconciliation.
• Conduct thorough post-project evaluations to gather lessons learned and fuel improvements for future delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; advanced degrees such as master's or MBA are considered a plus.
• At least 12 years of progressive HVAC project management experience with a minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale, multi-site turnkey and EPC projects.
• Strong technical expertise in HVAC systems, particularly chillers, VRV/VRF technology, and retrofit projects.
• Deep familiarity with recognized project management frameworks (e.g., PMBOK).
• Proven financial management skills including P&L responsibility and commercial decision-making.
• Considerable experience in the Saudi Arabian market with a thorough understanding of local regulations, standards, and customer expectations.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and operational execution
• Program and portfolio management
• Financial and commercial expertise
• Operational excellence
• Stakeholder relationship and client management
• Risk and contract governance
• Leadership development and talent management

Additional Information

Daikin values its workforce as the foundation of its success, promoting a positive working environment grounded in trust, creativity, and continuous enhancement. Employees are offered abundant learning and career advancement opportunities in a diverse and inclusive culture that mirrors the communities served. The company strongly believes that ensuring a good climate starts with people.