Deputy Project Director HVAC📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Daikin Saudi is seeking a Deputy Project Director – HVAC to lead project execution excellence across Saudi Arabia. This full-time position, based in either Jeddah or Riyadh, is responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the projects business, overseeing a diverse portfolio including chiller replacement programs, HVAC retrofits, VRV system supply and installation, and turnkey EPC projects. The role requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in HVAC project management, with a strong focus on leadership and execution within the Saudi Arabian market.

Core Responsibilities

The Deputy Project Director will ensure full lifecycle ownership of projects, from sales handover through execution to final closeout, focusing on delivering sustainable profitability, operational efficiency, and high levels of client satisfaction. Key responsibilities include:

• Defining and driving the national project execution strategy in alignment with business objectives and profitability targets.
• Establishing and enforcing standardized project management frameworks, governance models, and operating procedures, ensuring alignment with Daikin's global standards.
• Leading and optimizing the nationwide project portfolio, ensuring effective prioritization and resource allocation for programs such as chiller replacements, HVAC retrofits, VRV systems, and turnkey EPC projects.
• Owning full P&L responsibility for the projects division, driving revenue growth, margin improvement, and cost control.
• Standardizing execution methodologies across all regions to ensure consistency and efficiency, and driving continuous improvement in productivity and delivery timelines.
• Leading, developing, and mentoring a high-performing team of project managers, engineers, and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability and performance excellence.
• Acting as the executive point of contact for key clients, consultants, and government stakeholders, building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Establishing and implementing robust project risk management frameworks and ensuring compliance with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Leadership and Governance

This role involves defining and driving the national project execution strategy, establishing standardized project management frameworks, and ensuring adherence to global best practices. The Deputy Project Director will lead the adoption of digital tools to enhance planning, reporting, and performance visibility, while strengthening governance and embedding best-in-class project management practices.

Financial and Operational Management

Full P&L responsibility for the projects division is a key aspect of this role, requiring the drive of revenue growth, margin improvement, and cost control. This includes approving and monitoring project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, as well as leading contract management and strengthening cash flow. Operational excellence will be achieved through standardizing execution methodologies, driving continuous improvement, and implementing performance tracking using real-time dashboards.

Team Development and Stakeholder Engagement

Leading and developing a high-performing team is crucial, with a focus on fostering accountability and identifying capability gaps for targeted training and succession planning. The role also requires strong collaboration across internal departments and acting as the executive point of contact for key external stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and government entities, to build and maintain strong relationships.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with a Master’s degree or MBA being an advantage. A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in HVAC project management is required, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles. Proven track record in managing large-scale, multi-site turnkey and EPC projects is essential. Strong technical expertise in HVAC systems, deep knowledge of project management methodologies (*, PMBOK), strong financial acumen with demonstrated P&L ownership, and extensive experience in the KSA market with a solid understanding of local regulations and client expectations are also necessary.