Executive Director - Project and Construction Management Services, UAE

About KEO Group

KEO is an innovative firm dedicated to transforming ideas into reality through comprehensive planning, design, and project delivery in built and natural environments. With over six decades of experience, KEO has contributed to iconic global projects and vibrant communities. Recognized as a top international design and management firm, KEO fosters a supportive and growth-oriented workplace atmosphere emphasizing health, well-being, community engagement, and professional development.

Role Overview

The Executive Director for PM/CM Services in the UAE will hold full executive ownership and governance of KEO's Project Management, Construction Management, and Construction Supervision divisions. This leadership role requires a strategic approach to driving revenue growth, expanding client relationships, and optimizing operational efficiency within a multi-billion-dirham infrastructure and development portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee financial performance of the UAE portfolio, managing fees, resources, margins, and costs.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility through monitoring commercial risks, internal costs, and accelerating receivables collection.
• Report to the executive leadership team with accurate financial forecasts, risk analyses, and strategic growth updates.
• Develop and implement mid-to-long-term growth strategies aligned with divisional goals for PM/CM services in the UAE.
• Lead business development efforts, including high-level client engagement, procurement activities, and proposal validations.
• Leverage market intelligence and cross-divisional collaboration to increase market share and regional opportunities.
• Enforce adherence to corporate quality assurance, quality control, health, safety, and environmental standards, and project management plans.
• Provide expert technical and contract guidance on complex rail, infrastructure, and urban projects ensuring compliance with scope, timeline, and legal requirements.
• Lead critical executive interventions for project delivery issues and maintain strict oversight of contractors and consortiums.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-calibre executive team, including hiring senior management.
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure full compliance with legal and corporate policies while supporting agile workforce mobility.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 20 years' extensive experience in project and construction management, including leadership of large, complex programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, with a Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional memberships in recognized Engineering, Project Management, or Construction Management organizations are an advantage.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is preferred.

Work Culture and Benefits

KEO offers a dynamic environment that values innovation, integrity, safety, and diversity. Employees enjoy competitive benefits, access to health services, wellness programs, sponsorships for athletic and study pursuits, employee referral bonuses, mentoring, coaching, and a broad range of professional learning options. Community engagement activities and supportive policies enhance work-life balance and career advancement.