Deputy Program Director

Egis is an international player active in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services. We create and operate intelligent infrastructures and buildings that respond to the climate emergency and contribute to more balanced, sustainable and resilient territorial development. Operating in 100 countries, Egis puts the expertise of its 19,500 employees at the service of its clients and develops cutting-edge innovations accessible to all projects. Through its wide range of activities, Egis is a key player in the collective organization of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

With 3,500 employees across 8 countries in the Middle East, Egis has delivered over 700 complex development projects, stimulating economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Ranked among the top ten firms in the Middle East by Engineering News Record (ENR), Egis is committed to sustainable development. The Group’s operations in the Middle East are built on strategic acquisitions and a deep understanding of local market conditions. Egis’ long history of providing comprehensive engineering, consulting, and project management services makes it a trusted partner for regional governments, investors, and developers.

The Deputy Project Director serves as the second-in-command (2IC) to the Project Director, sharing responsibility for the strategic management and oversight of the entire project from inception to completion. This role demands autonomous leadership in the Project Director's absence, ensuring continuity of command and decision-making.

He/She provides decisive leadership, management, and technical direction to project teams, acting as a critical interface with the client and key stakeholders. The Deputy Project Director actively supports the successful delivery of project objectives, helps manage the overall P&L, and executes the strategic project plans, priorities, and resource allocation.

The successful candidate must possess strong business acumen, a proven record of successful delivery of large-scale engineering and construction projects, and a high level of technical expertise in the delivery and execution phase.

Specific Responsibilities

The Deputy Project Director will lead, manage, and execute key areas of the project delivery, operating in a full second-in-command (2IC) capacity, and is expected to cover autonomously in the absence of the Project Director:

• Lead the day-to-day downstream delivery and construction management of the project, ensuring all execution activities are aligned with contractual and technical specifications.

• Manage the successful execution of project objectives within agreed timescales and budget, ensuring maximum margin and rigorously applying the Project Management System throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Drive Accountability: Maintain direct oversight and responsibility for achieving contract obligations against key business metrics, including cost, schedule, safety, and quality performance.

• Provide operational leadership, direction, and guidance to senior and mid-level managers, ensuring quality technical services meet both project and client requirements.

• Direct and coordinate all staff within the project organization to optimize performance and resource utilization across various workstreams.

• Oversee and control the project's operational leadership and tracking performance across cost, schedule, safety, and quality metrics.

• Ensure strategic alignment between the project's delivery execution and the organization’s overall business goals and governance framework.

• Act as a primary interface with senior representatives of the client and company/contractors, and effectively deputize for the Project Director as the final point of contact when required.

• Develop, implement, and monitor specific, critical sections of the overall project management plans to ensure project success.

• Communicate project progress, performance, and forecasts regularly to the Project Director, company management, and key stakeholders.

• Manage the project’s governance, support overall planning, and closely monitor progress against the baseline schedule and budget.

• Control the project’s budget, risks, and issues, recommending and implementing corrective measures as directed.

• Coordinate the delivery of various technical workstreams and manage all critical project interdependencies.

• Optimize resource utilization across the project and manage the overall stakeholder communication plan.

• Champion and enforce health and safety standards, ensuring safety rules and compliance are maintained across all construction and engineering activities.

Skills / Competencies

• Must hold a B. Sc or a Masters’ Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent from a recognized university or college (M. Sc. is preferred).

• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in managing engineering design development, construction practices, economic principles, and the application of international codes, standards, procedures, and specifications.

• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in contracting (working for a contractor) is highly preferred, demonstrating a strong understanding of site delivery and execution realities.

• Has extensive experience on mega infrastructure/building/architectural projects in the Middle East.

• Must have experience at a senior management/director level (e.g., Senior Project Manager, Associate Director) as well as having extensive experience in client-facing roles

• Leadership and delegation skills.