Project Director - District Cooling (MAS5-20003608)

Join our dynamic team to play a pivotal role in one of the most ambitious and game-changing development projects of our time. As the Project Director - District Cooling, you will oversee the design and delivery of district cooling projects required to bring our vision to life.

You'll collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, manage internal and external stakeholder relationships, and ensure seamless alignment with Master Development, Infrastructure Planning and Design, and Investment Teams, and potential Joint Venture Partners. This is a high-impact role with an opportunity to lead a major district cooling program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

You'll be working on a transformative, globally significant giga project that seeks to redefine how we live, work and most importantly PLAY! You'll work alongside industry-leading professionals and enjoy unparalleled opportunities to showcase your professional capabilities and skills in a fast-paced environment.

1- Project Planning and Assessment

• Evaluate proposed district cooling project deployment plans to satisfy the development requirements (capacity, location, and program).
• Provide input into the procurement packaging through critical thinking and testing of options to best meet the development requirements.
• Provide input into the budget and cost estimation of the project and be accountable to deliver the project within the approved budget.
• Provide input into the project program and support in identifying the gaps early on and be accountable to deliver the projects within the approved program
• Participate in the drafting of project agreements including any particular conditions related to the project joint venture partnership, location, program, or conditions of execution
• Review and provide comments on project design and ensure Qiddiya' s requirements are reflected and identify any changes from the allocated plots and corridors
• Identify risks and provide mitigation plans for the project planning, design, delivery and operation
• Propose the project execution organization chart and ensure a compact and efficient team structure (be able to cut out the unnecessary roles) and use existing teams to maximize efficient use of resources
• Work with the Master Development teams to apply the required façade or theme for the district cooling plant
  
  

2- Project Procurement & Contractor Appointment

• Responsible for overseeing the procurement process with the responsible departments (procurement, legal, .etc) in line with the approved procurement strategy
• Coordinate with external stakeholders the appointment of joint venture partners and contractors.
• Act as point of contact and resolve the Q&A during the bid process
  
  

3- Project Delivery and Operation

• Provide leadership and direction to the District Cooling team, ensuring effective coordination and communication across all phases of project delivery and operation
• Develop and implement comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure project specifications and quality standards are met
• Monitor project progress, providing regular updates to senior management and stakeholders regarding milestones, budget adherence, and potential risks
• Conduct regular site inspections and meetings to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within project teams, promoting best practices and lessons learned
• Manage disputes, issues, and conflicts, ensuring effective resolution and maintaining project momentum
  
  

4-Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community leaders, and investors
• Arrange visits, meetings and coordinate site visits and inspection of Sr Management and dignitaries
  
  

5-Process Management

• Monitor the progress of approval processes and resolve delays or issues. Including change management processes.
• Maintain accurate records of permits, approvals, and interface correspondence
• Maintain control over the contract administration processes (change management, safety and program performance) and be accountable for ensuring timely approvals of changes
• Report to the Central Development Unit and Reporting and Commercial departments the progress and budget performance of the project and implement any related processes.
• Prepare and deliver executive level presentations, and report on the progress of the project on a weekly and monthly basis.
  
  

6-Policy Understanding and Advocacy:

• Take the initiative and stay informed about changes in regulations, policies and strategies at a regional, national, state and Qiddiya City level
• Advocate for project approvals by presenting data and justifications to regulatory bodies and all internal stakeholders, boards and Senior Management
• Enforce a culture of safety and quality throughout the project execution that meets the aspiring vision of Qiddiya.
  
  

Requirements

1- Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or management
  
  

2- Experience:

• Proven track record of at least a minimum 15+ years of relevant experience in joint venture formation and management, district cooling project planning, design, delivery and operation with at least 3-years' experience of working on large-scale projects
• Proven track record of securing permits for complex, large-scale developments
• Experience in theming and façade installation for infrastructure is desirable.
• In Kingdom experience and relations with suppliers and contractors is desirable for the role.
  
  

3- Technical Skills:

• Experience in district cooling project components including the chiller plant, storage, piping networks, energy transfer stations, and control and billing systems
• In-depth knowledge of project management and operational methodologies, tools, and best practices
• Strong understanding of project management process, end-to-end land servicing, stakeholder management and process management
• Strong knowledge of district cooling technology and the required tools, systems and expertise needed to plan, design, deliver and operate the projects.
• Proficiency in project management and operations software and tools
  
  

4- Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, inspire and manage diverse teams
• Adept at managing multiple stakeholders and navigating political landscapes
• Fastidious attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills, capable of building effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to influence decision makers via power point presentations