Project Director

Abu Dhabi, AZ, AE, United Arab Emirates

Job Description

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock 'n' roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyonce, and The Olympics



Position Purpose




TAIT delivers end-to-end solutions for our Clients -- from blue-sky ideation through production realization, operational staffing, and ongoing support. To achieve this best-in-class experience, the Project Director acts as a strategic partner, advocating for the Client's vision and developing strategies that leverage TAIT's global resources, expertise, and relationships.



This role provides account-level leadership and decision-making across the TAIT group and with third-party vendors to deliver a fully integrated client experience. The Project Director holds fiscal responsibility for the overall project portfolio, ensuring alignment and accountability across all supporting TAIT offices. They lead Client and Vendor contracting and champion collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.



With executive presence and a strategic mindset, the Project Director builds and nurtures strong client relationships, guiding teams with clarity, mentorship, and communication. Through visionary leadership and disciplined execution, this role drives long-term success and deepens client partnerships that define TAIT's reputation for excellence.



Essential Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Acts as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, leveraging executive presence to strengthen client relationships and drive alignment between business objectives and creative delivery. Lead cross-functional project teams (design, construction, commercial, technical) across global and regional operations. Drive project vision and alignment with business and creative objectives, ensuring stakeholder expectations are met or exceeded. Oversee all phases of project delivery including planning, procurement, construction, and close-out. Ensure and advise that project schedules, budgets, and quality benchmarks are achieved. Review and validate construction methodologies, resource plans, and work programs. Administer complex contracts (FIDIC, bespoke, and local forms) and manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and third parties. Lead contract negotiations and change order management, ensuring commercial integrity is maintained. Be an active partner in working with Project Development to build project scopes, quotes and proposals Identify and advocate for appropriate project staffing by phase Provide oversight on claims, risk, and compliance issues in conjunction with legal and procurement teams while simultaneously advocating for client vision while ensuring TAIT's interests are protected Collaborate closely with creative, technical, and AV/IT teams to align construction and infrastructure with themed entertainment and performance venue requirements. Understand and interpret show and experience intent into technical and architectural delivery Effectively navigate and prioritize both Creative and Technical project demands and be the bridge between them Operate effectively within the unique regulatory, cultural, and logistical environment of the MENA region. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies across all projects Liaise with authorities, local consultants, and JV partners to streamline approvals and regional coordination. Provide accurate cost forecasting, value engineering, and construction cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle. Collaborate with estimating and quantity surveying teams to control budget and cost performance in real-time. Build execution strategy with Project Management teams for successful delivery of Project Scope, Schedule, and Budget Maintain a close relationship with the project teams ensuring steady oversight throughout the life of the project Manage geographically and vocationally disparate teams Lead Make/Buy decisions on scope choices throughout Project lifecycle Internal and external communication of Project status and progress


Competencies



Behavioral competencies that are critical to effective performance




Client & Relationship Leadership

Ability to establish and maintain relationships at multiple levels, both internally and externally. Demonstrates executive presence in all interactions, communicating with clarity, empathy, and confidence. Anticipates needs and provides strategic guidance that aligns with both immediate goals and long-term vision. Comfortable in tense or complex negotiations, maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure.


Leadership & Team Development

Demonstrates strong leadership skills, with the ability to lead effectively without physical presence. Comfortable delegating important tasks and entire project phases, empowering teams while maintaining accountability. Displays a desire and proven ability to mentor and develop emerging talent, fostering growth, confidence, and performance in others. Exhibits above-average emotional intelligence, adapting communication and leadership style to diverse individuals and situations.


Strategic & Analytical Thinking

Applies creative problem-solving, focusing on understanding the "why," not just the "what." Balances prioritization, timely execution, and adaptability, demonstrating agility when shifting course or responding to changing conditions. Maintains above-average knowledge of corporate and project financial mechanisms, including EBITA, margin, absorption, and revenue recognition. Possesses a working knowledge of key contracting terms, including IP ownership, indemnity, and confidentiality.


Communication & Personal Effectiveness

Communicates with clarity, empathy, and impact, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrates self-discipline, high personal ownership, and accountability in managing workload and deliverables.


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline. 10+ years' experience in large-scale construction projects with at least 5 years in the MENA region. Proven track record delivering themed entertainment, theatre, cultural, or mixed-use destination projects. Strong command of FIDIC and other regional construction contract standards. Experience managing multicultural teams and international consultants/vendors. Excellent knowledge of construction estimating, procurement strategies, and cost control processes. Strong Project Management experience with fabrication, installation and coordination working with various design partners and vendors Experience embedding with Design teams through Schematic Design and Design Development phases to identify gaps, advise and guide teams for future scope planning




Preferred Experience

Fluent in English; Arabic proficiency is a plus. Strong familiarity with manufacturing or fabrication processes and principles Experience working and living in UAE and KSA Proven track record of managing profitable projects Proven ability to prioritize across multiple projects Commercial and contractual responsibilities Cost estimation and control Risk and delay management The ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and agile environment Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer service-oriented mindset.




Working Conditions and Physical Effort



The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to frequently walk, bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat, stoop, and kneel each day. Specific requirements are: Must be able to standfor extended periods of time. Must be able to lift or move equipment within material handling guidelines.*
Must be able to carry equipment within material handling guidelines.*



Work conditions of the role are:



Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions. Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location.


#LI-AB1


TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD2177403
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Abu Dhabi, AZ, AE, United Arab Emirates
  • Education
    Not mentioned