Associate Director (Residential Villas & Mixed Use)

AtkinsRéalis; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 367,242 - 514,138; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Life insurance coverage

Comprehensive medical insurance coverage

Paid annual leave

Company gratuity scheme

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Relocation assistance

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee Wellbeing Program

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in Abu Dhabi seeks an Associate Director for villa projects within a major program. This role includes managing project lifecycles, ensuring effective communication with clients, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in project management, particularly in the UAE, with strong leadership skills and a background in construction management. This position offers competitive benefits including a tax-free salary and comprehensive medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 20-25 years working experience, preferably with experience in the region.
• 10 years experience in UAE in design manager role on hospitality projects.
• Active leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the project throughout its lifecycle.
• Coordinate with clients, design consultants, and contractors.
• Monitor project delivery and address any issues.

Skills

Leadership

Construction Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

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

Job description

Job Description

AtkinsRéalis are looking for an Associate Director to be part of Project Management Team of Villa Projects within a Masterplan Program.

Responsible for managing a villa project within a Program of villa Projects. The project is primarily residential (various Villa typologies) with some community facilities in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and provide unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset, including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. Our breadth and depth of capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at or follow us on LinkedIn.

As Associate Director you will be responsible for leading and managing the project or projects within the Masterplan program through the project lifecycle. Work closely with our clients, design consultants, construction supervision consultant, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure the project’s objectives are met in line with client requirements and expectations.

With a strong background in construction management, you will assist construction supervision and contractors to meet project and client objectives.

Knowledge of Modern Methods of Construction (MCC) with pre‑cast fabrication considered for the Villa is preferred.

You will be client‑facing and assist the Client Senior Manager Delivery ensuring the delivery of the Project throughout the project lifecycle.

You will assist the Programme Director and support the Senior Project Manager in ensuring our scope of works is delivered to AtkinsRéalis and clients’ expectations.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

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 interface between design, construction and commercial teams to ensure delivery cohesion.
• Ensure compliance with delegated responsibilities under FIDIC where PMC is the named Engineer (site supervision delegated to CSC).
• Technical understanding of 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.
• Ensure MoU‑driven authority engagements are fulfilled per programme and package timelines.

Commercial & Governance Alignment

• Liaise with PMC Commercial and Controls teams to ensure risk, cost and programme data are consistent and accurate.
• 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

• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive timely resolution of complex design and construction challenges.
• Demonstrated leadership and people‑management skills, motivating and engaging team members to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills as a team player and independent contributor, balancing teamwork and independent project assignments.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects, displaying exemplary project‑management skills such as organization, time management, resourcefulness, flexibility and communication.
• Ability to manage project timelines meticulously.
• Strong financial acumen and attention to best value for investment within agreed budgets, ensuring cost‑effective design solutions without compromising quality.
• Results‑driven mindset consistently achieving project goals and driving success in design delivery.
• Ensure AtkinsRéalis processes, forms and deliverables are followed and, when required, client processes and forms are applied in full consultation with the client.
• Manage direct lead and administrate 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 Work Contractors
• Coordinate and assist activities and work with various entities on the programme:
  • Stakeholders not limited to: Client teams, tenants, facility management, operators etc.
  • Consultants and Contractors
  • Statutory Authorities with support of Stakeholder Manager
  • Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC)
  • Logistics with support of logistics officer and assisted by client.
• Manage and assist the client with procurement of Design Consultant specialists and Contractors as and when required.
• Overall awareness of PMC scope of services to manage and assist, but not limited to:
  • Construction Management
  • Constructability
  • Safety in Design
  • Assist in Change Management of the Project with the Cost and Commercial Teams, implementing required change‑control processes, review and recommendation for Client confirmation.
  • Assist and coordinate value management during the Design and construction stages in support of the Client.
  • Determine and manage risks that may affect the programme/project (schedule, budget, client requirements, quality, constructability and compliance).
  • Assist in monitoring and managing the Design and construction schedule with Project Controls and LDC.
  • Assist in Stakeholder Management: develop the statutory approval workflow chart for all design stages in alignment with Client and Statutory Authority approval requirements.
• Oversee preparation of all technical documentation required for construction tender packages.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering or 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.

Experience Required

• 20‑25 years working experience, preferably with experience in the region.
• 10 years experience in UAE in design manager role on hospitality projects.
• Preferred 5 years in Project Management Consultancy.
• Post‑Contract experience mainly with both Pre‑ and Post‑Contract preferred.

Competencies

• Deep knowledge of FIDIC contract implementation (including delegated site roles).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and risk‑management capabilities.
• Proven authority coordination and PMC delivery experience.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership and commercial awareness.

Why choose AtkinsRéalis

• Tax‑free salary
• Life insurance coverage
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage
• Paid annual leave
• Company gratuity scheme
• Discretionary bonus program
• Annual flight contribution
• Relocation assistance
• Transportation & housing allowances
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care and personal health, fitness and nutrition consulting

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity among our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction or disability. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

Our Commitment

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues and customers are treated equally and with respect.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

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 or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability but enriches itself through these differences.