Project Director - Master Planning and Design Management

About the Role

Join Parsons as a Project Director based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where you'll lead large-scale infrastructure projects from initial planning and design through to construction closure. This role demands providing strategic oversight, managing client relationships, driving risk mitigation, and ensuring projects adhere to budget, schedule, and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee complete delivery of master planning, road, and infrastructure projects aligned with client goals and Parsons' standards.
• Serve as the principal liaison for clients, government bodies, stakeholders, consultants, and contractors during project execution.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams by fostering collaboration, accountability, and maintaining high performance.
• Implement governance, delivery methods, execution plans, and reporting structures.
• Manage project finances including budgets, forecasts, change controls, claims, and overall financial health.
• Identify and manage risks, issues, and opportunities proactively.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Lead planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet milestones and program goals.
• Supervise procurement methods, contractor oversight, and coordination with consultants throughout project phases.
• Maintain and develop client and stakeholder relationships, seeking opportunities for new work and partnerships.
• Lead negotiations on scope adjustments, commercial terms, and variation management with clients and partners.
• Monitor project delivery metrics and progress, regularly reporting to executives and clients.
• Resolve complex challenges to minimize disruptions and uphold delivery commitments.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and best practice in delivery processes.
• Mentor project managers and teams, supporting career growth and succession planning.
• Chair periodic project review meetings to oversee performance, risk, and decision-making.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Design and Project Management, or a related technical field.
• At least 20 years of progressive experience handling major infrastructure, transportation, or civil engineering projects, including senior leadership or Project Director roles.
• Proven leadership of large, multidisciplinary teams managing complex master planning and infrastructure programs.
• Strong financial and commercial expertise managing budgets, contracts, claims, and risk.
• Deep understanding of project delivery methods, engineering and construction management, and industry regulations.
• Experience managing high-level client relations and interacting with government and key stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
• Skilled in developing project execution plans, governance frameworks, delivery strategies, and reporting mechanisms.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health, safety, quality, and environmental management systems.
• Professional certifications (PE, CEng, PMP, or equivalent) are an advantage.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams to deliver projects safely, on time, within budget, and with superior quality.

Additional Information

Parsons is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex including pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We deeply invest in our employees’ wellbeing and offer abundant opportunities for professional growth.

Be cautious of fraudulent recruitment activities. For further information on how to identify and report recruitment fraud, please consult Parsons official resources.