Project Director

Overview

Knight Frank is seeking a seasoned and visionary Project Director to serve as the Client’s most trusted senior representative, spearheading the execution of a groundbreaking super high-rise tower development in Riyadh. This pivotal role resides within Knight Frank’s esteemed Programmes service line and carries significant executive accountability for safeguarding the Client’s interests across the entire project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will be responsible for delivering the project with unwavering commitment to safety, strict adherence to budgetary constraints, and adherence to the highest international standards of quality. This position demands a dynamic leader capable of guiding multidisciplinary consultant teams, fostering robust stakeholder relationships, and providing strategic direction from inception through to completion. As a client-facing consultancy role, this opportunity requires exceptional communication prowess, robust governance acumen, and a proven track record in delivering iconic high-rise developments within a Programme Management Consultancy (PMC) or client-side capacity.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Project Governance

The Project Director will act as the primary liaison for the Client, offering strategic leadership to ensure the successful realisation of a landmark super high-rise development. This includes:

• Leading the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team to achieve the Client’s objectives across programme, cost, quality, and risk management;
• Establishing and maintaining robust governance frameworks, reporting structures, and decision-making protocols to ensure transparency and accountability;
• Providing expert strategic counsel to senior Client representatives throughout every phase of the project;
• Chairing executive project meetings and steering committee sessions to drive alignment and informed decision-making among senior stakeholders.

Project Leadership & Delivery

This role will oversee the end-to-end delivery of one of Riyadh’s most prestigious super high-rise developments, encompassing design, construction, and handover. Responsibilities include:

• Directing the execution of the project in strict accordance with the approved programme, budget, and quality benchmarks;
• Leading multidisciplinary teams across architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering, MEP, façade, vertical transportation, and specialist consultants;
• Ensuring seamless collaboration and coordination among consultants, contractors, authorities, and client representatives;
• Facilitating timely decision-making and proactively addressing technical and commercial challenges to mitigate project risks.

Programme & Schedule Management

The Project Director will maintain executive oversight of the master programme and all critical path activities, including:

• Monitoring consultant and contractor performance against agreed milestones and contractual obligations;
• Identifying programme risks and implementing effective mitigation and recovery strategies;
• Providing accurate and timely programme reporting and executive updates to the Client;
• Driving schedule optimisation while preserving quality and commercial objectives.

Design Management

This role will lead the coordination and management of the full design consultant team throughout all project stages, ensuring:

• Architectural and engineering designs align with the Client’s commercial, operational, and technical requirements;
• Effective management of design interfaces between multiple disciplines and specialist consultants;
• Oversight of design review workshops and value engineering initiatives to enhance efficiency and innovation;
• Design deliverables are coordinated, buildable, and fully aligned with project objectives.

Commercial & Contract Management

The Project Director will oversee contract administration under FIDIC and other recognised forms of contract, including:

• Reviewing consultant recommendations related to contractor payment applications, variations, and claims;
• Protecting the Client’s commercial interests through proactive contract administration and rigorous change control;
• Leading high-level commercial discussions with contractors and consultants;
• Ensuring transparent commercial reporting and adherence to financial governance standards.

Stakeholder & Consultant Management

This role requires building and maintaining exceptional relationships with the Client, project stakeholders, and executive leadership teams, including:

• Leading coordination across architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, MEP consultants, specialist designers, and external advisors;
• Managing relationships with government authorities, regulatory bodies, and utility providers;
• Representing Knight Frank during executive meetings and high-level engagements to uphold the firm’s reputation and client trust.