Head Projects (Infrastructure Development- Aviation/ SEZ/Renewable Energy)

Head – Projects (Infrastructure Development -Aviation, Renewable Energy, Industrial/Commercial Zones)

Our client is a leading global developer and engineering firm at the forefront of large-scale, transformative infrastructure. They specialize in the end-to-end delivery of complex, capital-intensive projects that shape skylines and power economies. Their portfolio includes international airports, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and utility-scale solar power facilities. They are seeking a visionary and results-driven Project Director to lead their next flagship venture.

Job Summary

The Project Director is the single-point overall leader and accountable authority for the successful delivery of a mega-infrastructure project. This executive role is responsible for the complete project lifecycle—from final planning and financial close through construction, commissioning, and handover to operations. The Director will ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, to the highest standards of quality and safety, while meeting all stakeholder expectations and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary face of the project to clients, investors, government authorities, regulatory bodies, and the public.
• Develop and maintain high-level relationships with all key stakeholders, including joint venture partners, EPC contractors, and financial institutions.
• Define and communicate the overarching project vision, strategy, and critical success factors to the entire project team and stakeholders.

2. Project Delivery & Execution:

• Provide ultimate oversight and accountability for all project phases: Design, Procurement, Construction, Testing & Commissioning.
• Ensure integrated project plans (scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk) are established, monitored, and controlled rigorously.
• Chair key project governance meetings (Steering Committee, Project Review Boards).
• Make final decisions on critical project issues, change requests, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all local and international laws, regulations, permits, and codes.

3. Financial & Commercial Stewardship:

• Hold full P&L responsibility for the project, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
• Oversee the project's multi-hundred million dollar budget, cash flow, cost forecasting, and reporting.
• Manage key commercial agreements, including EPC contracts, subcontracts, and supply agreements, in collaboration with legal and commercial teams.
• Drive value engineering initiatives without compromising on scope or quality.

4. Team Leadership & Development:

• Build, lead, and motivate a large, multidisciplinary project team comprising internal staff, consultants, and contractor personnel (potentially numbering in the thousands).
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, collaboration, innovation, and high performance.
• Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and lines of authority are established and maintained.

5. Risk, Safety & Quality Assurance:

• Champion a \"Zero Harm\" safety culture across the entire project site.
• Ensure the highest standards of quality and engineering excellence are embedded in project delivery.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate major project risks (technical, commercial, political, environmental).

6. Reporting & Governance:

• Provide transparent, accurate, and timely reporting on project status, KPIs, and forecasts to the senior executive team and the Board.
• Ensure robust project governance, controls, and audit trails are in place and adhered to.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA, MSc) is highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 20+ years of progressive experience in infrastructure project management.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering at least two complete mega-projects in one or more of the specified sectors: Airports/Aviation, SEZ/Industrial Parks, or Solar Power Plants (Utility Scale).
• International project experience, particularly in emerging markets, is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated experience working within complex contractual frameworks (FIDIC, PPP, EPC, EPCM).
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE/Chartered Engineer) license is required. PMP, PRINCE2, or similar advanced project management certification is strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Executive Leadership: Inspirational leader with exceptional gravitas, diplomacy, and decision-making ability under pressure.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the \"big picture\" while understanding critical details.
• Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of project finance, budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.
• Negotiator: World-class negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Communicator: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, adept at tailoring messages for diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solver: Innovative and analytical approach to solving complex, multi-faceted challenges.
• Resilience: Ability to thrive in a high-stakes, fast-paced, and politically sensitive environment.