Associate Director Project Management Residential

Snc-Lavalin; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy based in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Associate Director for their Masterplan program. The role involves leading projects, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring compliance with project objectives throughout the lifecycle. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering or architecture with 20+ years of experience in the region, particularly in hospitality projects, alongside strong leadership and project management skills. Excellent benefits and a tax-free salary are offered, alongside flexible work opportunities.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive life insurance

Premium medical insurance

Generous annual leave

Flexible and hybrid work solutions

Discretionary bonus programme

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• 20-25 years of experience in the region.
• 10+ years in design manager roles on hospitality projects within UAE.
• Deep knowledge of FIDIC contract implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage projects within the Masterplan program through the project lifecycle.
• Manage relationships with the Client and key Abu Dhabi authorities.
• Support programme-wide reporting activities and prepare executive-level briefings.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering or relevant design discipline

Chartered status (e.g., RIBA, P. Eng., C. Eng.)

Job description

Overview

As Associate Director, you will lead and manage one or more projects within the Masterplan program through the project lifecycle. You will work closely with clients, design consultants, construction supervision consultants, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met according to client requirements and expectations. You will be client‑facing and support the Client Senior Manager Delivery, ensuring project delivery through its life cycle.

Your Role

Programme Delivery & Integration

• Support the Project Director in ensuring consistent PMC delivery across villa and infrastructure packages.
• Lead risk management, escalation and resolution of issues impacting multiple packages or disciplines.
• Monitor the interface between design, construction and commercial teams to ensure delivery cohesion.
• Ensure compliance with delegated responsibilities under FIDIC where PMC is the named Engineer.
• Provide technical understanding across multidisciplinary design (architecture, infrastructure, MEP, landscape).

Stakeholder & Authority Coordination

• Manage relationships with the Client and key Abu Dhabi authorities (e.g., ADM, DMT, ITC, ADDC).
• Coordinate technical and administrative interfaces across contractors, consultants and asset owners.
• Fulfil MoU‑driven authority engagements per programme and package timelines.

Commercial & Governance Alignment

• Liaise with PMC Commercial and Controls teams to ensure risk, cost and programme data consistency.
• Oversee PMC contributions to claims, variations, payment recommendations and cost reporting.
• Maintain adherence to client governance and escalation protocols.

Reporting & Communication

• Support programme‑wide reporting activities, including milestone performance, design coordination and contractor progress.
• Prepare executive‑level briefings and risk registers for client leadership.

General Requirements

• Lead cross‑functional teams and drive timely resolution of complex design and construction challenges.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and engage team members.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, balancing teamwork and independent project assignments.
• Proven track record managing complex projects, exhibiting organization, time management, resourcefulness, flexibility and communication.
• Strong financial acumen with attention to best value for investment within agreed budgets.
• Results‑driven mindset, consistently achieving project goals and driving success in design delivery.
• Ensure Atkins Réalis processes, forms and deliverables are followed, and when required, client processes and forms as applicable in consultation with the client.
• Manage, direct, lead and administrate the contracts of the various entities on the programme: Lead Design Consultant (LDC), other consultants appointed by the client, Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC), early works and main works contractors.
• Coordinate and assist activities with stakeholders, consultants, contractors, statutory authorities and logistics support.
• Assist the client with procurement of Design Consultant, specialists and contractors as and when required.
• Overall awareness of PMC scope of services and support with construction management, constructability, safety in design, change management, value management, risk management, scheduling, stakeholder management, technical documentation, tender packages and other duties as assigned.

About You – Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering or a relevant design discipline.
• Chartered status (e.g., RIBA, P. Eng., C. Eng.) preferred.
• Able to work in a team environment and be client‑facing.
• Active leadership style with 20‑25 years of experience in the region, preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in the UAE in design manager roles on hospitality projects.
• 5+ years in Project Management Consultancy, preferably with post‑contract exposure.
• Deep knowledge of FIDIC contract implementation and delegated site roles.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and risk management capabilities.
• Proven authority coordination and PMC delivery experience.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership and commercial awareness.

Rewards & Benefits

• Tax‑free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Flexible and hybrid work solutions; remote work opportunities outside of the country.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus programme.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation and housing allowances for remote work locations.
• Employee wellbeing programme with 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness and nutrition.

EEO Statement

We seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world‑class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation.

Job Details

Worker Type: Employee

Job Type: Regular

Job Title: Associate Director – Masterplan Program (J‑18808‑Ljbffr)

Company: Atkins Réalis – a global engineering, project management and technology consultancy.