Director of Program Advisory

Want to work with the most sought-after minds and most talked-about projects? Your interest in Program Advisory might just make you our new Director – Program Advisory.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional. 

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary. 

Your next role

Buro Happold has a clear strategic plan, strong learning culture and entrepreneurial mindset that will allow you to thrive. 

You’ll be part of something bigger than us all where sustainability, equity, social and performance outcomes matter. All of Buro Happold is committed to doing the right thing, even when that’s the hardest thing. This is a genuine opportunity to make impact - and leave real legacy.

We are looking to recruit a Director – Program Advisory who will be responsible for the operational performance and growth of the Program Advisory division, with a strong emphasis on technical and strategic advisory services across major capital programs and portfolios.

Responsibilities

• The role provides direction across four integrated vertical areas—Capital Projects Advisory, Implementation Planning, Program and Project Management, and Project Controls—and ensures they operate as a connected advisory platform that supports clients from front-end strategy through delivery.
• The role reports to the Program Advisory Partner and is based in Riyadh, with a primary focus on the KSA and wider Middle East markets.
• The Director will combine technical credibility, advisory judgment, commercial acumen and client leadership to grow the business, strengthen market presence and deliver high-quality outcomes across strategic engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the growth, positioning and performance of the Program Advisory business across all four vertical areas, developing an integrated offer that combines technical insight, advisory excellence and delivery expertise.
• Build trusted relationships with senior clients and act as a strategic advisor on capital investment, implementation, delivery models, governance, operating models and performance improvement across complex programs and portfolios, with particular focus on opportunities in KSA and the wider Middle East.
• Shape and continuously evolve the Program Advisory service offering, ensuring strong connectivity between Capital Projects Advisory, Implementation Planning, Program and Project Management, and Project Controls.
• Align Program Advisory services with other engineering disciplines across the business, ensuring integrated solutions that connect technical design, delivery strategy, controls and client outcomes.
• Provide executive oversight across major commissions, ensuring technical quality, commercial performance, integrated delivery and effective resolution of complex client, operational and program risks.
• Lead, mentor and grow a high-performing multidisciplinary team, while strengthening capability, collaboration and knowledge sharing across the advisory business.
• Drive innovation across Program Advisory services, including the development and adoption of AI, automation and other digital initiatives that improve insight, efficiency and client outcomes.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Engineering or a related discipline, with significant experience in infrastructure, capital projects, program management and advisory environments.
• Proven experience leading a business unit, practice, service line or major function within a consulting, advisory or program management organization, with a strong track record in business development, client leadership and commercial performance.
• Demonstrated expertise across capital advisory, implementation planning, program and project management, and project controls, together with the ability to advise senior stakeholders on complex technical and delivery matters.
• Strong understanding of the full program lifecycle—from strategy and business case through planning, design, procurement, delivery, operational readiness and execution—including cost, schedule, risk, performance and benefits realization.

Core Attributes

• Strong program advisory, technical and delivery credibility.
• Commercially astute, client-focused and outcome-driven.
• A strategic thinker who can connect front-end advisory with implementation and delivery.
• A collaborative leader who builds integrated teams, trusted relationships and high-performing service offerings.