About the Role
Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition is partnering with a major international developer to recruit an Executive Director – Construction Innovation & MMC. This critical, programme-level leadership role is focused on transforming the delivery of large-scale assets for a significant multi-billion dollar mixed-use master-planned development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The position aims to advance industrialised construction, enhance delivery predictability, and embed innovative construction methodologies across a diverse portfolio of residential, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and infrastructure projects.
The organization is undertaking a development programme of exceptional scale and complexity. As construction volumes escalate, there is a strategic imperative to institutionalise Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), off-site manufacturing, and advanced delivery systems to boost productivity, mitigate programme risks, and accelerate project timelines. The Executive Director will serve as a strategic enabler, collaborating with delivery teams, designers, contractors, and supply chain partners to implement repeatable and scalable construction systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the organization's construction innovation strategy across the entire development programme.
- Drive the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), industrialised construction, and prefabricated building systems.
- Identify and capitalize on opportunities to enhance construction productivity, improve programme certainty, and ensure scalability of delivery methods.
- Establish robust frameworks, standards, and governance models to effectively support the adoption of innovative construction methodologies.
- Collaborate closely with procurement and supply chain functions to develop strategic manufacturing partnerships and build off-site production capabilities.
- Translate successful pilot initiatives into programme-wide delivery frameworks and establish repeatable construction models for broad implementation.
- Support delivery teams in integrating new technologies and construction approaches while rigorously maintaining commercial viability and operational practicality.
Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum of 18 years of experience in large-scale construction, infrastructure, or real estate development.
- Proven track record of leadership in managing multi-asset programmes or major master-planned developments.
- Demonstrated exposure to industrialised construction, modular delivery, or advanced construction methodologies.
- A strong understanding of programme governance, supply chain integration, and the complexities of large project ecosystems.
- Experience in leading strategic transformation and driving innovation within the construction delivery ecosystem.
- Candidates are likely to have a background with major international developers, Tier 1 contractors, global programme management consultancies, or within large infrastructure or giga-project environments.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Construction Innovation Strategy
- Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
- Industrialised Construction
- Prefabricated Building Systems
- Construction Productivity Improvement
- Programme Certainty
- Scalability
- Frameworks, Standards, and Governance Models
- Manufacturing Partnerships
- Off-site Production Capability
- Programme-wide Delivery Frameworks
- Repeatable Construction Models
- Integration of New Technologies
- Commercial Viability
- Operational Practicality
- Large, Complex Development Programmes
- Driving Innovation
- Delivery Ecosystem Management
- Modular Delivery
- Advanced Construction Methodologies
- Programme Governance
- Supply Chain Integration
- Large Project Ecosystems
- Strategic Thinking
- Translating Innovation into Practical Delivery Outcomes
- Next-generation Construction Methodologies
- Scalable Delivery Systems
- Strategy Development and Execution
- Delivery Management
- Innovation Implementation
- Construction Performance Improvement
- Programme Scalability Enhancement
Location and Work Type
This full-time role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on a significant master-planned development.