Construction Director at Hill International - Abu Dhabi

Hill International (Middle East) Ltd., a global leader in project management and risk management consulting, is actively recruiting for the position of Construction Director to be based in its Abu Dhabi office, United Arab Emirates. This role represents a significant leadership opportunity for seasoned professionals within the dynamic and expanding construction and infrastructure market of the region.

Job Description and Key Responsibilities

The Construction Director will hold a pivotal role in leading and directing major construction projects undertaken by the company. The core focus will be on ensuring project execution adheres to the highest standards of quality, safety, schedule, and budget. The appointed individual will bear overall responsibility for the complete oversight of all construction project phases, from initial planning to final handover.

Key responsibilities for the Construction Director will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Providing strategic leadership and direction to the multidisciplinary project team, including project managers, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
• Performance Management: Ensuring project objectives related to Quality, Cost, and Time (QCT) are met, with full compliance to local and international specifications and regulations.
• Monitoring and Control: Directly supervising on-site work progress, identifying potential risks and challenges, and developing effective mitigation plans to ensure business continuity.
• Stakeholder Management: Acting as the primary interface between the client, contractors, and relevant government authorities, fostering relationships built on trust and transparency.
• Reporting: Preparing detailed periodic project status reports for senior management and the client, highlighting achievements, challenges, and proposed solutions.
• Safety and Quality: Championing a culture of occupational safety on-site and ensuring rigorous quality control standards are applied across all construction activities.

Qualifications and Essential Requirements

To qualify for this senior leadership role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering field from an accredited university. A Master's degree or advanced professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Chartered Engineer) will be a significant advantage.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 15 to 20 years of hands-on experience in construction project management, with a focus on large-scale, complex projects such as high-rise towers, commercial complexes, hospitality projects, or major infrastructure. This must include at least 5 years in a similar leadership role (Construction Director or Senior Project Manager) within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, preferably with direct experience in the UAE market.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of all project lifecycle management stages, construction methodologies, technical specifications, and local Abu Dhabi/UAE building codes and regulations.
• Leadership & Personal Skills: A proven track record of leading and motivating large, diverse teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both verbal and written) in English; Arabic is a strong asset. Exceptional negotiation and problem-solving abilities. The capacity to work under pressure and make decisive decisions.
• Managerial Knowledge: Strong familiarity with contract administration, financial and budgetary aspects, and planning using specialized software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

Why Work for Hill International?

Joining Hill International means working in a stimulating environment that fosters professional excellence. The company is renowned for its involvement in landmark projects across the Middle East and globally, offering employees invaluable experience and clear career progression paths. The compensation and benefits package for this senior-level position is expected to be comprehensive and competitive.

How to Apply for the Position

Applications for this position are being accepted exclusively through the Naukrigulf online platform, where the vacancy was posted. Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should visit the original job listing link on the website and complete the online application process. Applicants must submit an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a Cover Letter that clearly articulates their suitability for the role based on the stated requirements.

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Job Type: Full-time. Company: Hill International (Middle East) Ltd.

Highly qualified professionals with a demonstrable record of achievement in construction management are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.