Director of Project Execution

About This Role

Together we make the difference We are a leading provider of innovative and high-performance solutions for airport logistics. Our portfolio includes products and solutions for baggage and cargo handling, high-end software for the digitalization of logistics processes as well as an extensive range of maintenance and services. Major customers include renowned airports and airlines around the globe.

We are looking for an experienced Director of Project Execution who will report directly to the Executive Management and oversee multiple airport BHS and MHS projects. You will provide guidance and leadership to the Project Execution and Site Management teams, foster collaboration across internal functions and external stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered safely, on-time, on-budget, contract compliant, and to the required quality through to handover.

What are my responsibilities?

• Lead end-to-end delivery of airport BHS/MHS programs, ensuring safe, on-budget, contract-compliant execution.
• Serve as senior client and stakeholder lead, aligning airport authorities/operators, consultants/PMCs, contractors, and internal teams.
• Own the full lifecycle from engineering coordination through installation, integration, testing, commissioning, ORAT, and handover to Service.
• Drive strong project governance (steerco, reviews, workshops), ensuring clear decisions, actions, and follow-up.
• Manage portfolio performance across multi-site/multi-country matrix teams; control KPIs, risk, change, and escalations, including recovery/turnaround.
• Ensure effective site execution in live airport environments, including M&E installation, upgrades, brownfield works, and system interface management.
• Ensure completeness and quality of technical/contract documentation and reporting across the project lifecycle.
• Lead successful handovers to Life-Cycle Services, ensuring continuity, training, spares, warranty transition, and sign-off.
• Support Sales & Bid activities to develop opportunities and ensure executable delivery strategies and resourcing inputs.
• Build and lead high-performing teams through coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What do I need to qualify for the role?

• 10+ years delivering complex engineering/automation/site projects; strong ownership of cost, schedule, quality, and safety.
• Proven leadership in multi-stakeholder environments with strong client-facing and executive communication capability.
• Strong experience in airport BHS or MHS systems including site execution and commissioning; ORAT exposure is a plus.
• Solid understanding of automation integration environments (mechanical/electrical, PLC/SCADA/controls, interfaces).
• Strong commercial and contractual discipline: change control, risk/opportunity management, claims awareness.
• Proficient in project tools (e.g., MS Project/Primavera, MS Office; Jira/Confluence is a plus).
• Willingness to travel and operate in dynamic airport environments.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.