Construction Director

About This Role

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project:

Mace is supporting the delivery of a large‑scale, next‑generation digital infrastructure programme in the region, working alongside a leading developer in the data centre sector. The project brings together complex design coordination, fast‑paced delivery and rigorous governance to meet the demands of a mission‑critical environment. Our team is applying global best practice in programme, project and commercial management to help shape resilient, future‑ready infrastructure at scale.

The role:

The Construction Director will be seconded into a client-side role supporting the delivery of large-scale, mission critical data centre developments in Abu Dhabi. The role will provide senior leadership across construction delivery, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards, while aligning with operational, programme and commercial objectives.

The Construction Director will act as the senior construction authority, overseeing contractors and delivery partners and embedding robust governance, assurance and performance management throughout the project lifecycle.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Lead the end-to-end construction delivery of complex, mission critical data centre projects.
• Act as the senior client-side representative for construction activities, managing Tier 1 contractors and specialist subcontractors.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, accountability and performance across all construction operations.
• Oversee construction planning, sequencing, logistics and phasing to ensure milestone and commissioning readiness.
• Monitor progress, cost performance and risk, implementing mitigation strategies as required.
• Provide clear, accurate reporting on construction performance to senior stakeholders.
• Champion best-in-class HSE standards, ensuring compliance with local regulations and international best practice.
• Ensure robust quality management and inspection regimes are implemented across the site.
• Lead resolution of safety, quality or delivery issues, including incident management where required.
• Manage complex interfaces between construction, design, commissioning, operations and external authorities.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, consultants and contractors.
• Support alignment between construction delivery and operational handover requirements.
• Embed Mace governance, controls and assurance processes within the client-side environment.
• Contribute to delivery strategy, procurement approaches and continuous improvement initiatives.

You’ll need to have:

• Significant experience operating at Construction Director or senior construction leadership level on large, complex projects.
• Proven experience in a client-side, PMC or advisory role, managing major contractors.
• Experience delivering projects in the UAE or wider Middle East is highly desirable.
• Commercially astute with experience managing change, risk and contractor performance.
• Degree qualified in Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Chartered or professionally accredited status desirable (e.g. CIOB, ICE, RICS).

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long-term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfill all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

#LI-On-site