Project Director

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, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Position Purpose

TAIT provides end-to-end solutions for our clients, from blue-sky ideation to production realization to operational staffing to ongoing support. To deliver this best-in-class experience, the Project Director advocates for the Client’s vision and deploys a strategy that leverages TAIT’s global resources and relationships. The position leads supporting teams across the TAIT group, along with third party vendors, to provide account level decision making in service of a fully integrated client experience. The Project Director holds fiscal responsibility for the overall project, with consideration for each supporting TAIT office, and leads Client and Vendor contracting. With a constant eye on the project’s horizon, leadership, delegation, mentorship and communication are essential to long- term success.

Responsibilities

• 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
  
  

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline.
• Minimum 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
• 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 (preferable)
• 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.
  
  

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.