About Portman Construction
Part of the Portman Group of companies, Portman Construction delivers ultra-high-end luxury villas and deep refurbishments in the Algarve, acting as main contractor (empreiteiro geral) managing specialist subcontractors. Projects typically run 6–24 months, with complex structures, basements, swimming pools, high-spec MEP, and demanding finish tolerances.
What sets us apart is the depth of our involvement. We go far beyond executing to plans. We are trusted partners who work with clients, architects and specialists from the very earliest stages — acquisition, planning, financing and design — through to construction and handover. We manage the full project lifecycle, and our internal advisory team supports clients who wish to optimise their assets for future exit.
The opportunity
Portman Construction is seeking an experienced, hands-on Diretor(a) de Obra to lead the on-site technical delivery of ultra-high-end luxury residential projects. This role is responsible for ensuring projects are executed accurately to architectural intent, technically coordinated across specialties, and delivered with Quinta do Lago-level finishing standards — minimising snagging and rework.
You will work closely with our Director of Project Management and lead the day-to-day engineering execution across multiple concurrent sites.
Legal/qualification requirement (non-negotiable)
This role requires eligibility to be formally appointed as Diretor(a) de Obra under the applicable Portuguese legal regime governing qualification of technicians for works/project responsibilities (Lei 31/2009 as amended by Lei 40/2015).
Candidates must have valid professional standing via Ordem dos Engenheiros (OE) or Ordem dos Engenheiros Técnicos (OET) (as applicable) and the required eligibility to assume the Director of Works responsibilities.
Key responsibilities1) Direção de Obra: compliance, records, and technical accountability
* Serve as the primary technical authority on all active projects, holding formal Diretor(a) de Obra status in accordance with Portuguese regulatory requirements, leading execution in line with approved designs, statutory duties, and best practice.
* Maintain the Livro de Obra and core site records (instructions, approvals, RFIs/technical queries, changes, nonconformities, inspections).
* Coordinate constructively with external Fiscalização, providing evidence and technical responses promptly and professionally.
* Coordinate with the appointed Safety Coordinator (Coordenador de Segurança) to ensure H&S compliance, without direct responsibility for HSE management.
* Ensure inspection readiness and a clean compliance/documentation trail throughout the project lifecycle.
2) Ultra-high-end quality (Quinta do Lago standard) with snag minimisation
* Drive luxury-quality delivery with a "snag minimisation" mindset: correct sequencing, high workmanship standards, and disciplined QA/QC.
* Define and enforce quality gates at critical stages (e.g., structure set-out/accuracy, waterproofing, MEP rough-in coordination, screeds/levels, finishes, joinery/stone interfaces).
* Lead final-stage finishing coordination to achieve clean handover outcomes with minimal defects.
3) Technical interface management (architecture specialties)
* During tender processes, review BoQ documents (Bill of Quantity) proactively identifying incompatibilities, ambiguities or buildability issues
* Review and cross-check architectural, structural engineering and specialities drawings before and during construction, proactively identifying incompatibilities, ambiguities or buildability issues.
* Resolve minor clashes on site where appropriate; manage critical clashes formally via RFIs / technical queries, coordination meetings, and documented decisions.
* Maintain a regular, structured site presence across all active projects, providing technical direction to subcontractors (empreiteiros) on all engineering matters.
* Act as the authoritative technical voice on site — answering questions, resolving problems and preventing errors before they become costly defects or rework.
* Inspect work at critical construction stages (foundations, structure, waterproofing, MEP rough-in, finishes) to verify conformance with drawings and specifications.
* Manage the technical acceptance of subcontractor work packages, ensuring quality standards are met before sign-off.
4) Programme, production, and subcontractor control
* Drive short-interval planning and sequencing with subcontractors; identify constraints early (lead times, dependencies, access, approvals).
* Work collaboratively with the Director of Project Management to support programme delivery, flagging technical risks that may affect timeline or budget.
* Support cost discipline by preventing rework, reducing waste, and providing structured inputs for change/variation control.
5) Systems, reporting, and scalable ways of working
* Produce weekly progress reports as a minimum (progress, risks, decisions required, look-ahead, photos/evidence); support optional monthly evaluation packs where needed.
* Use Procore as the core system of record; maintain disciplined supporting trackers in Excel/Google Sheets where appropriate.
* Issue and manage RFIs (Requests for Information) to architects, structural engineers and specialist consultants to resolve technical queries in a timely manner.
* Introduce and improve practical systems: RFI workflow, inspection checklists, NCR/defect tracking, evidence capture, document control, and handover packs — raising standards consistently as we scale.
* Attend and contribute to project review meetings with clients, architects and consultants as required.
6) Stakeholders and communication boundaries
* Work in close partnership with the Director of Project Management who will typically lead client communications; confidence in occasional client-facing discussions is a plus.
* Liaise with architects and specialty engineers to close technical issues quickly and correctly, keeping decisions documented.
What success looks like
* Finish quality: Luxury finish quality delivered with low snag volumes and minimal rework.
* Technical clarity: Fewer site delays caused by drawing incompatibilities; faster, cleaner technical decisions.
* Control and documentation: Consistent weekly reporting and strong documentation discipline (Livro de Obra + evidence trail).
* Programme performance: Programme stability through proactive constraint management and effective subcontractor communication.
* Site leadership: A calm, high-standard site culture that lifts execution quality across teams.
Candidate profile
Essential
* 5+ years post-qualification hands-on site delivery experience gained in Portugal.
* Proven experience on ultra-high-end / luxury construction projects (high finish tolerance, complex interfaces).
* Eligible and willing to be appointed Diretor(a) de Obra (OE or OET standing as applicable).
* Solid working knowledge of Portuguese building regulations, technical standards and permitting processes.
* Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit sufficient to review, annotate and query drawings.
* Strong technical competence across structures, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and interface coordination with architecture.
* Highly organised, precise, documentation disciplined; able to lead subcontractors and resolve technical issues decisively.
* Fluent spoken and written English (Portuguese assumed).
Desirable
* Procore software proficiency (RFIs/submittals, QA/NCRs, evidence capture, document control).
* Ability to improve systems/processes and drive adoption across project teams.
* Comfortable stepping into client-facing discussions when needed (UHNW environment).
Character & working style
* Meticulous attention to detail — you read drawings properly and catch issues before they reach site.
* Proactive problem-solver: you raise issues early, propose solutions, and don't wait to be asked.
* Clear and direct communicator — with site teams, architects, consultants and senior leadership alike.
* Calm and authoritative under pressure; able to manage multiple concurrent sites without losing grip on quality.
* Takes ownership and accountability; thrives in an environment where professional reputation is on the line with every project.
* Collaborative by nature — you work alongside, not around, your colleagues.
Compensation & benefits
* Base salary: €65,000+ gross (based on capability and proven delivery track record)
* Bonus: discretionary annual bonus linked to delivery quality, programme adherence, snag/rework minimisation, and reporting discipline
* Benefits:
* Private medical insurance
* Company car (private use permitted)
* Meal allowance (subsídio de alimentação)
* Study / ongoing training support
Lisbon-based candidates (commute/relocation)
Algarve-based is preferred. Lisbon-based candidates are considered if willing to be present on Algarve sites/office Monday–Friday (i.e., effectively Algarve-based during the week). Travel support will be negotiated (e.g., fuel/tolls/allowance and, where appropriate, accommodation). We are also open to supporting relocation to the Algarve for the right person.
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Hiring process
* Screening call
* Technical interview (drawing compatibility / clash scenario + delivery approach; luxury-quality mindset)
* Site walk on a live project + practical discussion with Director of Project Management and Managing Director
* Final interview with senior leadership
* References (and verification of eligibility for Direção de Obra appointment)
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Legal & Regulatory
The formal appointment as Diretor(a) de Obra carries statutory responsibilities under Portuguese law (Lei 31/2009 as amended by Lei 40/2015). The successful candidate must be legally eligible to hold this appointment from project commencement.
Portman Construction recruits on the basis of role-related criteria and is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants. Applicant personal data is processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.