Project Director & Operations Manager - Oil & Gas Pipeline EPC

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Project Director & Operations Manager specialized in oil and gas cross-country pipeline EPC projects to lead multiple pipeline construction projects in Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of extensive experience in engineering, procurement, and construction of large-scale pipelines, preferably with a mechanical engineering background.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee project execution excellence across several pipeline projects by regularly reviewing project progress with Project Managers.
• Ensure timely delivery of engineering, procurement, construction, cost control, and claims management aligned with Saudi Aramco's stringent standards.
• Conduct weekly detailed governance meetings reviewing schedules, critical paths, recovery plans, and progress metrics such as the S-curve.
• Provide leadership in technical areas including constructability assessments, interface management, risk evaluation, and oversight of EPC activities like right of way (ROW), welding, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), crossings, hydrotesting, and commissioning.
• Manage the commercial aspects by owning the project P&L, assessing cost-to-complete, Earned Value Management (EVM), handling change orders, and overseeing claims with clients and consultants.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders such as Saudi Aramco and government authorities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 15 years of hands-on experience in oil and gas pipeline EPC projects involving engineering, procurement, and construction.
• Strong knowledge and practical expertise with ASME B31.4 and B31.8 codes; familiarity with Saudi Aramco standards is an added advantage.
• Proven track record of successfully managing pipeline projects exceeding 200 km in length and diameters greater than 24 inches for reputed clients such as ONGC, GAIL, EIL, or Saudi Aramco.
• Proficiency in cost control methods, delay analysis, extensions of time (EOT) claims, and arbitration processes.
• Preferably from Indian EPC contractors with approvals from EIL, ONGC, or GAIL.
• Prior experience working with Saudi Aramco is highly preferred with a commitment to reside in Saudi Arabia for at least 5 years.