JOB DESCRIPTION – PROJECT DIRECTOR – CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Seniority: Director / Head of Project
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Project Director – Civil Construction to lead and oversee large-scale residential and infrastructure construction projects in  Abuja, Nigeria.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end civil construction activities, including site development, infrastructure works, structural construction, contractor management, project planning, budgeting, quality control and project delivery.

The role requires a strong background in civil engineering and construction management, with proven experience delivering large-scale residential, commercial or mixed-use developments within agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards.

The Project Director will lead multidisciplinary project teams, manage contractors and consultants, ensure regulatory compliance and drive construction excellence while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Management

• Lead the overall execution and delivery of civil construction projects from planning through completion and handover.
• Develop and manage project execution strategies, construction schedules, budgets and resource plans.
• Establish project milestones, timelines and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress and ensure construction activities are completed within approved schedules.
• Identify potential project risks, delays and challenges and implement corrective measures.
• Coordinate with engineering, design, procurement and project management teams.
• Prepare regular project progress reports for senior management.
• Ensure effective coordination between all project stakeholders.

2. Civil Construction & Site Execution

• Oversee all civil construction activities, including site preparation, earthworks, excavation, foundations, concrete works, structural works and building construction.
• Supervise construction of residential buildings, infrastructure, roads, drainage systems, utilities and common facilities.
• Ensure construction activities comply with approved drawings, specifications and engineering standards.
• Monitor site activities and ensure efficient utilisation of labour, materials and equipment.
• Review construction methodologies, work programmes and contractor resource plans.
• Ensure proper sequencing and coordination of construction activities.
• Resolve technical and operational challenges arising during project execution.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress, workmanship and construction standards.

3. Contractor & Subcontractor Management

• Manage and supervise main contractors, subcontractors, consultants and suppliers.
• Lead contractor selection, tendering, evaluation and contract negotiations.
• Monitor contractor performance against agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Manage contractual obligations, variations, claims, payments and extensions of time.
• Ensure contractors comply with project specifications, safety requirements and construction standards.
• Coordinate contractor activities and resolve operational and contractual disputes.
• Drive accountability and ensure timely completion of assigned work packages.

4. Project Budget & Cost Control

• Develop and manage project budgets, cost estimates and financial forecasts.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.
• Control construction costs, variations and additional expenses.
• Review contractor valuations, payment applications and claims.
• Implement cost optimisation and value engineering initiatives without compromising construction quality.
• Monitor cash flow, project costs and cost-to-completion forecasts.
• Provide regular financial and commercial performance reports to senior management.

5. Engineering, Design & Technical Coordination

• Coordinate with architects, civil engineers, structural engineers and MEP consultants.
• Review construction drawings, technical specifications and engineering documentation.
• Ensure design requirements are translated accurately into construction execution.
• Identify design discrepancies and coordinate timely resolution.
• Oversee design modifications, technical approvals and construction changes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Nigerian building codes and engineering standards.
• Promote efficient construction methodologies and value engineering solutions.

6. Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC)

• Establish and implement quality assurance and quality control procedures across construction activities.
• Ensure materials, workmanship and construction processes meet approved specifications.
• Monitor concrete testing, structural inspections, material approvals and quality documentation.
• Conduct regular quality audits and site inspections.
• Identify defects, non-conformities and quality issues and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Oversee snagging, defect rectification and final construction inspections.
• Ensure successful project completion and handover in accordance with required quality standards.

7. Health, Safety & Environmental Management

• Establish and maintain a strong Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) culture across all construction sites.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and project safety standards.
• Monitor contractor safety performance and enforce site safety procedures.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, risk assessments and site audits.
• Ensure appropriate safety training, PPE and emergency response procedures are implemented.
• Monitor environmental compliance, waste management and site environmental protection.
• Promote a zero-harm approach to construction activities.

8. Infrastructure & Site Development

• Oversee development of site infrastructure, including access roads, internal roads, drainage, water supply, power distribution and utility networks.
• Supervise landscaping, external works and common-area development.
• Coordinate with utility providers and relevant authorities for infrastructure connections.
• Ensure infrastructure works are integrated with building construction schedules.
• Monitor technical quality and timely completion of infrastructure packages.

9. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary construction and project management teams.
• Supervise Project Managers, Construction Managers, Site Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Planning Engineers and HSE personnel.
• Establish clear responsibilities, performance objectives and reporting structures.
• Recruit, train and develop construction professionals and site personnel.
• Monitor team performance and ensure effective coordination across departments.
• Build a performance-driven culture focused on safety, quality, productivity and timely project delivery.

10. Stakeholder & Regulatory Management

• Maintain relationships with government authorities, regulatory bodies, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Ensure all necessary construction permits, development approvals and statutory clearances are obtained.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities regarding building approvals, inspections and compliance requirements.
• Manage relationships with investors, financiers and other project stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, risks, costs and construction milestones to senior management.

Candidate Profile

Must Have

• 15+ years of experience in civil construction, project management or large-scale real estate development.
• Proven experience in a senior construction leadership position such as Project Director, Construction Director or Head of Projects.
• Strong experience managing large-scale residential, commercial, mixed-use or infrastructure construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from planning and design through construction, completion and handover.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil engineering, structural works, foundations, concrete construction and infrastructure development.
• Extensive experience managing contractors, subcontractors, consultants and multidisciplinary construction teams.
• Strong expertise in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, cost control and contract administration.
• Experience managing construction projects within approved timelines and budgets.
• Good understanding of QA/QC, HSE standards and construction regulations.
• Experience with FIDIC or equivalent construction contract frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or an MBA.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent.
• Professional registration or membership with COREN, CIOB, RICS or equivalent bodies.
• Experience working on premium residential or waterfront developments.
• Experience working in Nigeria or other West African markets.
• Knowledge of Nigerian building codes, FCTA approvals and local construction regulations.
• Experience with project management tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, AutoCAD and Revit.
• NEBOSH or IOSH certification would be an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong civil construction and project delivery expertise.
• Strategic planning and execution capabilities.
• Construction site and contractor management.
• Project budgeting and cost control.
• Contract administration and commercial management.
• Engineering and technical coordination.
• Quality assurance and quality control.
• Health, safety and environmental management.
• Leadership and team development.
• Stakeholder and government relationship management.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project Delivery: Achievement of construction milestones and completion within approved project timelines.
• Budget & Cost Control: Project expenditure against approved budgets, cost-to-completion accuracy and variation management.
• Construction Quality: Compliance with approved specifications, quality standards and defect-free project handovers.
• Contractor Performance: Contractor productivity, work quality, schedule adherence and contractual compliance.
• Health & Safety: Reduction in workplace incidents and compliance with HSE requirements.
• Infrastructure Development: Timely completion of roads, drainage, utilities and other infrastructure works.
• Project Risk Management: Identification, mitigation and resolution of project risks and construction delays.
• Team Performance: Effective management and development of construction and project management teams.
• Regulatory Compliance: Timely acquisition of permits, approvals and statutory clearances.
• Project Handover: Successful completion, snagging, defect rectification and handover of construction works.

Additional Information

• Location: Abuja, Nigeria.
• Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent.
• Work Arrangement: Site-focused role with regular presence at the construction site.
• Travel: Within Nigeria and occasional international travel as required.
• Compensation: Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, including performance-based incentives and applicable benefits.

Apply now!