Project Director

Our Client is delivering a luxury Real Estate project in Abuja. The development embraces the perfect balance of nature and modern elegance — an exceptional residential estate distinguished by impeccable design, world-class amenities, and a collection of exquisite homes.

The Project Director holds single-point accountability for translating this vision into a fully realised, high-quality waterfront community — leading the estate from design and approvals through construction, delivery, handover and community/facilities establishment, while safeguarding value, brand, safety and the natural lakeside environment.

The Project Director provides overall leadership and end-to-end accountability for the successful delivery of the Project — on time, within budget, to the defined quality and design standard, and in full compliance with statutory, safety and environmental requirements. Reporting to the CEO and acting as a trusted deputy on project matters, the role directs the full project lifecycle: master-planning and design management, statutory approvals, procurement and contracts, construction and delivery, cost and commercial control, risk, stakeholder and community engagement, sales/handover coordination, and the establishment of estate facilities. The Project Director leads a multi-disciplinary team and is the primary interface between the Board/CEO, consultants, contractors, government authorities, investors and the estate's future residents.

Key Responsibilities

A. Project Leadership & Vision Delivery

• Own end-to-end delivery of the Project — protecting the vision of refined lakeside living with impeccable design, world-class amenities and exquisite homes.

• Translate the CEO's/Board's vision into a clear delivery strategy, master programme and execution plan across all project phases.

• Act as project deputy to the CEO, providing decisions, updates and recommendations, and representing the project internally and externally.

B. Design & Technical Management

• Lead master-planning and design management across architecture, landscape, civil, structural, MEP and marine/waterfront works — preserving the lakeside setting and design quality.

• Manage consultants and design deliverables, ensuring drawings, specifications and standards meet the estate's premium quality benchmark and are fit for construction.

• Drive value engineering and design optimisation without compromising the intended quality, aesthetic or resident experience.

C. Statutory Approvals, Permits & Compliance

• Secure and maintain all approvals — development permits, building approvals, title/land documentation and environmental clearances — with FCTA, AGIS, development control and relevant Nigerian authorities.

• Ensure full compliance with Nigerian building codes, planning regulations, environmental (EIA) and waterfront/shoreline requirements.

D. Procurement, Contracts & Contractor Management

• Lead procurement strategy and tendering for consultants, contractors and suppliers; recommend awards under the Delegation of Authority.

• Administer contracts (e.g., FIDIC / bespoke) — scope, variations, claims, payments, EOTs and dispute avoidance.

• Manage contractor and consultant performance against programme, quality, cost and safety.

E. Construction Delivery & Programme

• Direct site execution across enabling works, infrastructure, homes, amenities and waterfront/landscape features — to programme and quality.

• Own the master schedule; drive planning, sequencing and progress; remove blockers and recover slippage.

• Assure quality (QA/QC) and snagging to deliver a defect-free, handover-ready estate.

F. Cost, Commercial & Budget Control

• Own the project budget and P&L, managing cost-to-complete, cash flow, valuations and forecasts.

• Control variations and change, protecting margin and delivering value for money.

• Report cost and commercial status transparently to the CEO/Board.

G. Risk, HSE & Environmental Stewardship

• Own the project risk register and drive mitigation across delivery, commercial, regulatory and reputational risk.

• Champion a zero-harm HSE culture and full compliance with safety standards on site.

• Protect the lake and natural environment, embedding sustainable, responsible waterfront development practices.

H. Stakeholder, Government & Community Engagement

• Manage key relationships with government/regulators, host community, investors/financiers, consultants and contractors.

• Coordinate with Sales & Marketing on product, phasing, buyer expectations and handover.

• Engage the future resident community and protect the brand and reputation of the development.

I. Handover, Facilities & Estate Establishment

• Lead phased handover of homes and common areas, snagging close-out and defects-liability management.

• Establish estate operations — facilities management, amenities, security and services for a fully functioning community.

J. Team Leadership & Governance

• Build, lead and develop the multi-disciplinary project team; set objectives and manage performance.

• Establish project governance, controls, reporting cadence and decision forums; deputise for the CEO on project matters.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building, Construction/Project Management, Quantity Surveying or a related built-environment discipline.
• A Master's degree / MBA or postgraduate qualification in Project Management, Construction or Real Estate is strongly preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years' experience in real-estate/property development or large-scale construction, with several years in a senior project-leadership/director capacity.
• Proven track record delivering premium residential (and ideally waterfront / mixed-use) developments end-to-end — on time, on budget and to a high quality standard.
• Demonstrated experience in Nigeria / West Africa and navigating local approvals, contractors and market conditions is a strong advantage.
• Strong commercial and contract management experience on major capital projects.

Professional Memberships & Certifications (Preferred)

• Professional registration/membership — e.g., COREN, NIA, NIOB, NIQS, or equivalent.
• Project-management certification — PMP, PRINCE2, or RICS/CIOB membership.
• HSE certification — e.g., NEBOSH / IOSH is advantageous.