Project Director - Landmark Super High-Rise Development

Overview

Knight Frank is looking for a seasoned Project Director to serve as the senior client representative, spearheading the successful execution of a landmark super high-rise tower project in Riyadh. Within the Programmes service line, this position is accountable for representing the client's interests throughout the full project lifecycle, ensuring safety, budget compliance, and adherence to top-tier international quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and represent the client with strategic oversight across the lifecycle of a flagship super high-rise development.
• Manage the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team to meet goals related to schedule, cost, quality, and risk management.
• Develop and implement governance frameworks, reporting lines, and decision-making procedures.
• Advise senior client executives strategically during the project phases.
• Conduct executive project and steering committee meetings with high-level stakeholders.
• Oversee project delivery from design to completion and handover, managing all technical and execution facets.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning architecture, structural, civil, MEP, façade, vertical transport, and specialist consultants.
• Ensure coordination between all consultants, contractors, authorities, and client representatives.
• Promote timely decisions and address technical and commercial challenges proactively.
• Maintain oversight of master project schedules and critical activities, monitor performance, identify risks, and drive mitigation.
• Ensure all design work meets client operational, commercial, and technical needs, managing multidisciplinary design interfaces and quality reviews.
• Administer contracts, mainly under FIDIC, handling payment applications, variations, claims, and maintaining the client's commercial interests.
• Engage and manage relationships with stakeholders, government authorities, and regulatory bodies to foster collaborative communication.
• Implement comprehensive risk management, quality assurance, commissioning, and handover strategies.
• Lead and mentor various managers and consultants, nurturing a culture of high performance, accountability, and professional development within the PMC team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related engineering discipline; a Master's in Project or Construction Management is preferred.
• At least 18 years of extensive experience delivering large-scale building projects, notably super high-rise or iconic mixed-use towers.
• Experience within Project Management Consultancy or client-side consultancy for managing complex project lifecycles and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• In-depth knowledge of high-rise construction techniques, including structural systems, façade engineering, and building services.
• Experienced with FIDIC contract administration and commercial risk management.
• Strong programme management skills, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and executive communication proficiency.
• Previous engagement with projects in Saudi Arabia or the GCC region is highly desirable.
• Membership in professional bodies such as MRICS, RIBA, ICE, PMI, CIOB is advantageous.
• Fluent in English; Arabic skills are beneficial.