Project Controls Director

Job Description Overview The Project Controls Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, governance, assurance, and oversight of all programme controls functions across major capital projects and programmes. The role leads the planning, scheduling, cost management, reporting, risk management, change control, information management, digital PMO systems, and programme performance functions to ensure successful delivery of programme objectives. As a key member of the Programme Leadership Team, the Project Controls Director drives the implementation of AI-enabled project controls, digital PMO transformation, predictive analytics, integrated reporting platforms, Common Data Environments (CDE), and Programme Management Information Systems (PMIS) to deliver enhanced visibility, forecasting accuracy, governance, and executive decision support. The role acts as the principal advisor to the Programme Director, client representatives, government stakeholders, and project teams on all matters relating to programme performance, controls, forecasting, risk, assurance, and governance. Your Role Strategic Leadership and Governance • Provide strategic direction and leadership for all project controls disciplines including planning, cost control, reporting, risk management, change management, document control, information management, and performance assurance. • Establish and maintain programme-wide project controls governance frameworks, policies, standards, procedures, and assurance processes. • Lead the development and implementation of project controls methodologies and best practices to optimize programme performance and successful delivery. • Develop and implement Project Controls Manuals, Scheduling Manuals, Reporting Frameworks, Risk Management Frameworks, Enterprise Project Structures (EPS), Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), forms, templates, and control procedures. • Ensure alignment of project controls activities with programme objectives, client requirements, corporate governance, and industry standards. • Provide leadership and mentoring to multidisciplinary project controls teams. Digital PMO Strategy and Transformation • Lead the Digital PMO strategy across the programme, integrating project controls, reporting, governance, and digital delivery platforms. • Drive implementation and optimization of Programme Management Information Systems (PMIS). • Establish and govern Common Data Environments (CDE) to improve collaboration, information management, auditability, and programme transparency. • Lead implementation of workflow automation and digital approval processes to improve efficiency and governance. • Promote digital transformation and continuous improvement across programme controls functions. • Drive integration between PMIS, ERP systems, BIM platforms, risk management systems, and reporting tools. • Support implementation of digital twin technologies and advanced programme intelligence platforms where applicable. AI-Enabled Project Intelligence and Predictive Analytics • Lead the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and predictive analytics technologies across programme controls functions. • Develop predictive forecasting models for schedule performance, cost trends, productivity, risk exposure, and programme delivery outcomes. • Establish AI-driven early warning systems to identify emerging issues before they impact programme performance. • Implement programme intelligence capabilities that support proactive intervention and executive decision-making. • Utilize predictive analytics, scenario planning, and trend analysis to identify opportunities and threats. • Lead the evolution of reporting from historical performance tracking to predictive programme intelligence. • Ensure AI-generated insights are governed, validated, and supported by appropriate assurance and data-quality controls. Qualifications Required • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering Management, or related discipline. • Master's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, Project Management, or equivalent preferred. • Relevant degree from a recognized university. • Full membership of a recognized professional institution. Professional Certifications (Preferred) • PMP (Project Management Professional) • PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional) • PMI-RMP (Risk Management Professional) • CCP (Certified Cost Professional) • PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional) • MRICS / FRICS • Chartered Engineer (CEng) • PMO Professional Certification • Digital Transformation, Data Analytics, or AI Certifications About You • Minimum 20 years of relevant project controls experience. • Minimum 15 years in senior project controls leadership positions. • Minimum 10 years GCC and Middle East experience. • Professional Certification Preferred: PMP (Project Management Professional), PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional), PMI-RMP (Risk Management Professional), CCP (Certified Cost Professional), PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional), MRICS / FRICS, Chartered Engineer (CEng), PMO Professional Certification, Digital Transformation, Data Analytics, or AI Certifications • Proven experience delivering large-scale infrastructure, transportation, utilities, buildings, industrial, energy, or giga-project programmes. • Extensive experience managing PMO, programme controls, reporting, governance, risk, and assurance functions. • Experience implementing PMIS, CDE, integrated reporting platforms, and AI-enabled project controls solutions. • Strong understanding of KSA Vision 2030 projects and government programme environments. •