Programme Director Airport Transformation SA📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Fintech HIRE Middle East & Africa is seeking a Programme Director Airport Transformation for a full-time, permanent position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role supports a client undertaking Saudi Arabia's ambitious airport build, specifically the Riyadh aviation transformation anchored by King Salman International Airport and the wider Matarat portfolio. The Programme Director will lead the technology, operational, and business transformation required to evolve this megaproject into a fully functioning global aviation hub.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to executive sponsors from both client and consortium sides, the Programme Director will:

• Set and protect the delivery roadmap across business, operational, and technology workstreams.
• Lead a multi-vendor, multi-disciplinary programme team, scaling its capacity significantly through peak delivery phases.
• Manage relationships with the airport operator, GACA, and senior client stakeholders within the Kingdom.
• Make critical decisions regarding scope, sequencing, vendor performance, and risk tolerance to ensure continuous programme progress.

Year One Objectives

Successful performance in the first year will be measured by the achievement of the following:

• Establishment of a baselined integrated master schedule.
• Ensuring the vendor consortium operates as a unified team.
• Building and earning stakeholder confidence within the initial 90 days.
• Securing sign-off for the operational readiness blueprint.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess direct, hands-on experience in leading large-scale airport transformation programmes:

• Experience: 15+ years leading mega-programmes, including at least one full lifecycle delivery of an airport transformation at international hub scale (*, Heathrow, Changi, Hamad, Istanbul, Hong Kong, GCC new-builds, or peer airports).
• Technical Acumen: Demonstrable command of the airport operating model, encompassing airside, landside, terminal operations, passenger flow, baggage handling, AODB, common-use platforms, security, and border integration.
• Leadership Presence: Executive presence to engage effectively with Saudi senior leadership, global contractors, and consortium partners.
• Cultural Adaptability: Comfortable working in a multicultural delivery environment. Experience in the GCC or KSA is a strong advantage but not mandatory.

This role requires specific expertise in airport programme leadership, distinct from aviation-adjacent or airline-specific programme experience, due to the unique operating logic of an airport.

Work Environment and Compensation

This is a full-time, permanent position based residentially in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role demands the rhythm and intensity characteristic of a Vision 2030 flagship programme. Compensation is benchmarked at the top of the global market for executives of this calibre, offered as a tax-free package. Detailed package information will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

Application Information

Candidates who meet the specified qualifications and are prepared for this demanding role are encouraged to apply.