Director of Portfolio

Job Title:
Director of Portfolio

Location:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Industry:
Engineering & Construction

Employment Type:
Full-time, Senior Leadership

Role Overview

We are seeking a
Director of Portfolio
to provide strategic leadership and oversight across a diverse portfolio of large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will be responsible for aligning projects with organizational goals, ensuring governance and compliance, and driving operational excellence through innovation, performance management, and resource optimization. This position requires a visionary leader with deep experience in construction project management and a proven ability to deliver complex programs efficiently and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Oversight

• Lead the execution and delivery of multiple large-scale construction projects.
• Ensure alignment of all projects with strategic and operational goals.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and deliverables to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Conduct periodic site visits and performance assessments.
• Coordinate closely with safety officers to uphold high safety standards.

2. Portfolio Governance

• Establish and maintain portfolio governance frameworks for effective oversight.
• Ensure adherence to governance processes, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
• Facilitate decision-making and project approval processes.
• Conduct portfolio audits and drive accountability across teams.
• Train and mentor project managers on governance best practices.

3. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess project and portfolio outcomes.
• Prepare detailed performance reports for senior leadership.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to identify key success factors and lessons learned.
• Recommend strategic improvements based on data-driven insights.

4. Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all projects.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational optimization.
• Stay abreast of global construction trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Lead initiatives to enhance team capability through training and knowledge-sharing programs.

Key Relationships

Internal:
Executive Management, Project Teams, Operations, Finance, HR, and Safety Departments.

External:
Clients, Consultants, Contractors, Vendors, Regulatory Authorities, and Industry Associations.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree
  or professional certifications (e.g.,
  PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP
  ) are preferred.

Experience:

• 20–25 years of progressive experience
  in project or portfolio management within the construction or infrastructure sector.
• Minimum 10 years in a senior leadership role
  overseeing large-scale or multi-project portfolios.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera).
• Strong command of project controls, cost estimation, budgeting, and risk management.
• Proven ability to interpret complex construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Expertise in portfolio performance analysis, financial modeling, and governance implementation.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills:

• Exceptional leadership and team development capabilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with analytical acumen and decision-making confidence.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.