Project Director

TAIT

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.