About the Role
Guildhall is hiring for a global EPC infrastructure contractor executing a major transport infrastructure project in the GCC. As Construction Director, you will lead the on-site delivery of a 12–24-month railway maintenance facility build, owning all construction execution across civil, structural, MEP, and railway systems. This is a greenfield mobilisation with hard programme milestones set by a major regional client. A rare opportunity to direct a signature transport infrastructure project in the GCC with a proven global EPC operator.
The role
- Lead all construction delivery for a major railway facility: civil, structural, building, MEP and railway systems integration.
- Manage 50+ on-site workforce, coordinate 5–8 major subcontractors, and direct multidisciplinary teams through full execution.
- Own construction programme, cost control, quality assurance, HSE compliance and regulatory adherence.
- Interface daily with Project Director, design team, PMC, client representatives and specialist contractors.
- Develop construction strategies, sequencing plans, and method statements; drive corrective action on schedule and productivity.
- Manage technical and contractual issues; support commercial team on variations and claims.
- Lead handover, testing, commissioning and close-out of completed works.
What you'll bring
- 15+ years construction delivery on large-scale infrastructure or railway projects.
- Proven track record as Construction Director, Senior Construction Manager or Project Manager on 2–3 major projects.
- Deep experience in railway depots, metro maintenance facilities, stations or comparable transport infrastructure.
- Demonstrated civil and structural construction management expertise and multidisciplinary team leadership.
- Design & Build or EPC project delivery experience; familiarity with UAE regulatory and site environment.
- Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Railway Engineering or equivalent discipline.
- Fluent English; calm, decisive leadership under pressure and site-resident capability.
What's on offer
- Full-time, project-based appointment with a global EPC contractor on a major UAE infrastructure mandate.
- Leadership of a signature facility project with hard delivery milestones and direct client interface.
- Opportunity to set site culture, build a high-performing team, and own delivery of a complex multidisciplinary build.
Why apply through Guildhall
- Boutique executive search firm in Dubai with 8x independent industry awards since 2020 and 4.9-star Google rating.
- Direct access to the retained consultant running this search; confidential, candidate-first process.
- We know this market: track record placing senior construction leaders on major GCC infrastructure projects.
- No recruiter intermediaries—your application goes straight to decision-makers.
Hiring a Construction Director in Abu Dhabi
A Construction Director in Abu Dhabi typically reports to a Project Director and owns the day-to-day site authority for all trades—civil, structural, MEP, systems integration—across large infrastructure builds. This role signals a project in active mobilisation; the hire is urgent when construction is commencing and programme risk is highest. In the GCC, Construction Director mandates on large infrastructure projects are competitive and sought after. This is a peer-level hire for a global EPC operator with multidisciplinary execution capability.
Common questions
What does a Construction Director do in Abu Dhabi?
A Construction Director leads on-site delivery of large infrastructure projects, managing all construction trades (civil, structural, MEP, systems), coordinating subcontractors, maintaining schedule and quality, ensuring HSE and regulatory compliance, and reporting progress to the Project Director and client. They own cost, time, quality and safety and have final authority on site methodologies and execution sequencing.
What experience do I need to apply?
You need 15+ years construction delivery on large-scale infrastructure or railway projects, with proven track record as Construction Director or equivalent on 2–3 major builds. Strong experience in railway depots, metro facilities, stations or transport infrastructure is essential; Design & Build or EPC delivery experience is highly valued. Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline, fluent English, and UAE regulatory knowledge (or comparable GCC environment) are required.
How do I apply?
Apply on this page. A Guildhall consultant will review every application confidentially and contact you directly if you match the brief. We typically move fast on construction director roles; expect to hear within 5–7 business days.
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