Want to work with the most sought-after minds and most talked-about projects? Your experience of Program Management in Project Consultancy or an Advisory practice might just make you our new Director of 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.
Your key duties
As a Director, you will provide leading expertise to some of the region’s most trusted clients while supporting the broader growth ambitions of our Cities and Advisory business. A core focus of the role is enabling clients to strategize, set up, and mature their capital program organizations, ensuring they are equipped with the right structures, governance, and capabilities for long‑term success.
This is a pivotal senior position within our Middle East business as we continue to strengthen and expand our Capital Program Advisory, PMO, and program controls innovation offerings. You will help shape how major programs are conceived, mobilized, governed, and delivered across the region.
The role also presents a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on Buro Happold globally, contributing to the evolution and scaling of our program advisory services into other geographies.
In this position, you will act as a trusted advisor to both clients and internal stakeholders, leading and developing a high-performing team with the skills and expertise required to drive excellence in capital program setup and delivery.
What will success look like
- Grow - Establish Buro Happold as a trusted partner for capital program advisory and expand our portfolio of major program engagements.
- Build a strong, multidisciplinary team and a healthy pipeline of projects.
- Plan - Shape and set up major capital programs with clear strategies, governance, delivery models, and controls.
- Introduce innovative program controls, digital tools, and best‑practice methodologies that strengthen early program definition.
- Deliver - Consistently provide high‑value advisory that improves client decision‑making, program performance, and portfolio outcomes.
- Lead PMO and advisory assignments that demonstrate transparency, predictability, and measurable impact.
- Impact - Enhance BH’s regional and global reputation in Capital Program Advisory.
- Develop people, improve capability, and create long‑term value for clients and the business.
Your role
- Lead the delivery of Capital Program Advisory and PMO services across multiple strategic clients and major programs.
- Ensure successful client outcomes by meeting executive‑level objectives, delivering high‑quality solutions, and managing schedules and budgets effectively.
- Strengthen and leverage key client relationships to expand Buro Happold’s program advisory footprint.
- Maintain high levels of client satisfaction throughout all phases of engagement.
- Uphold rigorous standards for quality, health & safety, sustainability, and program governance.
- Lead, mentor, and develop teams—both BH staff and client‑embedded personnel.
- Elevate organizational P3M maturity through improved program structures, controls, digital tools, and best practices.
- Provide strategic advisory support, participating in planning sessions, program setup, and executive reviews.
- Build strong cross‑organizational relationships and ensure clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders.
- Shape and grow the Program Advisory function, including resource planning, recruitment, and capability development.
- Set annual performance objectives for direct reports, coach their development, and conduct performance reviews.
- Ensure accurate time reporting and adherence to internal project management systems.
- Support business development through proposal writing, client presentations, and shaping new opportunities.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of PMO frameworks, methodologies, and delivery processes.
Your skills and experience
- Demonstrated success in establishing, structuring, and leading Program Advisory services & PMOs for large-scale organizations and complex capital programs.
- Proven track record of delivering major programs across the full lifecycle—from concept and initiation through design, construction, commissioning, handover, and close‑out.
- Extensive experience in program and project management, including several years in leadership roles overseeing mega‑programs and serving as a PMO Director or equivalent.
- Strong capability in developing program strategies, governance frameworks, controls, reporting, and assurance mechanisms.
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executive decision‑makers and work across multidisciplinary teams.
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
- Professional certification such as PMP or equivalent is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and confidently.
- Strong attention to detail, analytical capability, and a solid understanding of technical and commercial aspects of major capital programs.
- High level of interpersonal, organizational, and multi‑tasking skills, with the ability to lead in fast‑paced, dynamic environments.
- Demonstrated adaptability, resilience, and strong stress‑management skills.
- Proficiency in relevant PMO systems, digital tools, and data/reporting platforms, supported by strong IT and quantitative skills.
What we offer you
Bring your knowledge and expertise to one of the world’s most respected consultancies.
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Attractive salary and benefits package
- A strong commitment to your continuous development. Whatever stage in your career, we have a learning and development programme that will enable and empower you
- Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions
- An international culture that wherever your career takes you at Buro Happold, you won’t be far from the exceptional.
At Buro Happold, everyone else’s extraordinary is just our everyday.
Apply today and be a part of our legacy.
A place for everyone
Buro Happold values individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.
Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.
We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing difference allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.
Please let us know if there are any adjustments, we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.
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