Project Director - Infrastructure at Adexen

Responsibilities

• The position is based in Lagos and will lead the delivery of one of the largest port rehabilitation and expansion programs currently underway in Africa, representing a total investment value of approximately USD 1.3 billion.
• The Project Director will have full responsibility for the successful delivery of the project, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, operational excellence, stakeholder management and financial performance.
• The role requires a seasoned executive capable of managing large multidisciplinary teams, complex contractual environments and multiple project stakeholders while delivering a strategic national infrastructure asset.

Project Leadership & Delivery:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the project throughout the entire lifecycle, from mobilization through completion and handover.
• Develop and execute the project strategy, delivery plan and organizational structure required to achieve project objectives.
• Ensure delivery of the project within approved budget, schedule, quality and safety targets.
• Lead all project functions including engineering, procurement, construction, commercial, planning, contracts, HSE, quality and stakeholder management.
• Establish a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and operational excellence.

Contract & Commercial Management:

• Maintain full accountability for project profitability and financial performance.
• Oversee contract administration and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations.
• Manage claims, variations, change orders and dispute resolution processes.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives while protecting project margins and delivery objectives.
• Review and approve project budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections and financial reporting.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the primary interface with the client, consultants, government authorities and key project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with public institutions, regulatory agencies and local authorities.
• Represent the company at executive-level meetings and strategic project reviews.
• Ensure transparent communication and effective management of stakeholder expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

Risk Management & Governance:

• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure robust governance processes, reporting systems and performance monitoring mechanisms are in place.
• Lead executive project reviews and provide regular updates to senior management.
• Drive proactive decision-making to address technical, commercial and operational challenges.

HSE, Quality & Compliance:

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with company HSE policies and international standards.
• Ensure all works are executed in accordance with contractual specifications, regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives across all project functions.
• Maintain the highest standards of quality assurance and operational excellence throughout project execution.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Infrastructure Engineering or a related discipline.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration or related field is preferred.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure or heavy civil construction projects.
• Proven experience as Project Director, Project Executive, Program Director or equivalent leadership position on projects exceeding USD 500 million.
• Strong experience in major infrastructure projects such as ports, marine works, transportation infrastructure, airports, rail, bridges, industrial facilities or large-scale EPC projects.
• Demonstrated success managing multinational teams and complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven experience in contract management, claims management and project financial control.
• Experience working in emerging markets and challenging operational environments is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of international construction standards, project controls and risk management methodologies.
• PMP, Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional certification would be an advantage.