Director, Construction, Pakistan

4908BR

Director, Construction

Aga Khan University

The position

Job Role / Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all construction activities across Aga Khan University (AKU) Pakistan. The role is responsible for planning, execution, monitoring and successful delivery of capital construction projects, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy, timelines, quality standards, and financial objectives. The position drives innovation, governance, and stakeholder alignment across multidisciplinary teams while ensuring safe, compliant and cost-effective project delivery.Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement long-term construction strategies aligned with the University's strategic growth and infrastructure development plans.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and the Board on project feasibility, risks, budgets, timelines, and overall project progress.
• Establish and maintain governance frameworks, policies, standards, and best practices for construction project delivery.
• Lead the planning and execution of capital construction projects, ensuring defined scope, budget, schedule, quality, and safety objectives are achieved.
• Oversee the complete lifecycle of construction projects from planning and design through procurement, execution, commissioning, and closeout.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of contractors, consultants, suppliers, and project partners to ensure contractual compliance and quality delivery.
• Develop, manage, and monitor capital budgets while ensuring effective resource allocation, financial stewardship, and cost optimization.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and value engineering without compromising quality or safety.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including academic, clinical, administrative, and operational departments, as well as external consultants, contractors, regulatory authorities, and partners.
• Represent the Construction function in executive committees, governance forums, and institutional planning initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing construction team by fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, safety, and innovation.
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, performance management, and capability development within the Construction function.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal, environmental, safety, and institutional requirements.
• Promote and maintain safe construction environments by enforcing occupational health and safety standards and industry best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement by reviewing construction processes, adopting innovative technologies, and implementing sustainable construction practices aligned with international standards and healthcare infrastructure trends.

The requirements

You should have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related discipline from a recognized university• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, RICS, CIOB) preferred• Registration with relevant professional bodies where applicable• Minimum 10–12 years of progressive experience in large-scale construction and capital project management• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex, multi-site infrastructure or healthcare/education projects• Experience in contractor management, procurement strategy, and project financing control• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects within scope, time, and budget• Strong strategic thinking and planning capability• Advanced knowledge of construction methodologies, codes, and regulatory requirements• Financial acumen with ability to manage large capital budgets• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills• Strong leadership, team development, and change management capability• Analytical thinking with risk identification and mitigation skills• Ability to manage complexity in dynamic, high-growth environments• Excellent communication and presentation skillsComprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted

Sector

Social Development

About the Agency

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University ( AKU) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network ( www.akdn.org), AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access. More information ....

Region: South Asia

Location: Pakistan

Salary: Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Job Expires

02-Aug-2026

Director, Construction | AKDN