Project Director – Heavy Construction & Oil & Gas

About the role

The Project Director will lead Laba’s commercial and contractual relationship with the client and head contractor on a major heavy‑construction, oil and gas/LNG project in Papua New Guinea. Reporting to the CEO and Board, the role is responsible for delivering all service categories on schedule, budget and quality while ensuring safety, local content and community commitments.

Key responsibilities

• Hold and exercise Laba’s commercial authority, managing variations, claims and dispute resolution within Board‑delegated limits.
• Maintain director‑level client relationship, chair monthly commercial and delivery reviews with the client’s Project Director and head contractor.
• Accountable for delivery of six service categories to the priced schedule, programme and quality standards.
• Approve monthly payment claims, measurement positions and variation registers before client submission.
• Direct Singapore offshore procurement, managing landed‑cost budget for imported plant, fuel, camp consumables and materials.
• Set and enforce site safety leadership standards and report HSE performance to client and head contractor.
• Ensure landowner and community commitments are met, protecting Laba’s social licence.
• Report cost, programme, risk and workforce localisation against National Content commitments to CEO and Board.
• Develop succession plan to transition the role to a Papua New Guinean national.

Required profile

• 15+ years in heavy construction, oil & gas or LNG project delivery, with at least 5 years at project director or equivalent level.
• Proven delivery of major services or construction packages as accountable executive.
• Strong commercial command of measured‑work contracts, including variations, measurement, claims and final account.
• Direct experience working to major EPC head contractor and international oil & gas operator standards.
• Tertiary qualification in engineering, construction management or related discipline.
• Eligible for a Papua New Guinea work permit and entry visa.
• Desirable: prior residential experience in PNG or similar markets, knowledge of PNG National Content Policy, experience establishing offshore procurement entity.