Construction Manager in Dubai

Utopia; Dubai; On-site; AED 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Utopia is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to lead a high-complexity, high-end project in Dubai. The role is senior, site-based, and requires 10+ years in construction with strong technical background across excavation, shoring, foundations, and structural works.

You will work closely with the Project Manager, Head of Construction, consultants, and subcontractors to deliver on time, within budget and to the expected quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional construction experience, with senior site or construction management roles.
• Experience managing complex construction projects from enabling works through structural and finishing stages.
• Strong understanding of Dubai/UAE construction regulations, permitting, HSE standards, and local practices.
• Proficiency with construction management software such as AutoCAD, MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, Aconex.
• Fluent English for communication with international teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day construction activities ensuring delivery per drawings, specs, schedule, budget and quality.
• Oversee complex site operations including excavation, shoring, dewatering, foundations, structural works and temporary works.
• Coordinate and supervise main contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and site teams.
• Review methodologies, sequencing, shop drawings, method statements, and technical submissions.
• Monitor progress, identify delays and risks, and implement recovery plans with the Project Manager and Head of Construction.
• Ensure compliance with Dubai/UAE building regulations and HSE requirements.
• Take ownership of construction quality, coordinate corrective actions with contractors and consultants.
• Attend progress, coordination, and technical meetings and report on progress, risks, quality, safety and programme.

Skills

Fluent English

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field

Post-graduate qualification in Construction Management, Project Management, or related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Project

Primavera P6

Procore

Aconex

Job description

We're looking for an experienced and hands-onConstruction Managerto lead the delivery of a high-complexity, high-end construction project inDubai.

This is a senior site-based position for someone with10+ years of construction experienceand a strong technical background across complex construction activities, particularlyexcavation, shoring, foundations, structural works, and large-scale site operations.

You'll take ownership of the day-to-day construction delivery, working closely with the Project Manager, Head of Construction, consultants, subcontractors, and the wider international project team.

We're looking for someone who can operate confidently at both atechnical and managerial level— someone who understands what is happening on site, can anticipate construction risks, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and make decisions that keep the project moving without compromising quality, safety, or programme.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day construction activities across the project, ensuring delivery in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, programme, budget, and quality standards.
• Oversee complex site operations, includingexcavation, shoring, dewatering, foundations, structural works, and associated temporary works.
• Coordinate and supervise main contractors, subcontractors, consultants, specialist trades, and site teams.
• Review construction methodologies, sequencing, shop drawings, method statements, and technical submissions.
• Monitor progress against the construction programme and proactively identify delays, risks, and potential constraints.
• Work closely with the Project Manager and Head of Construction to develop and implement construction strategies and recovery plans where required.
• Conduct regular site inspections and ensure that works are executed in accordance with approved designs, specifications, and applicable UAE regulations.
• Take ownership of construction quality, identifying defects and coordinating corrective actions with contractors and consultants.
• Ensure compliance withDubai/UAE building regulations, HSE requirements, and relevant construction standards.
• Coordinate site logistics, labour, plant, materials, deliveries, access, and sequencing to maintain efficient site operations.
• Monitor contractor performance and hold subcontractors accountable for programme, quality, safety, and agreed deliverables.
• Review and challenge technical and logistical solutions where necessary, proposing practical alternatives to resolve site constraints.
• Work closely with consultants, engineers, architects, and the design team to resolve technical issues and RFIs efficiently.
• Support cost control at site level and identify potential variations, risks, and opportunities before they impact the project.
• Attend progress meetings, coordination meetings, technical meetings, and contractor meetings as required.
• Maintain clear reporting on construction progress, risks, quality, safety, and programme.
• Act as a senior point of contact between the construction site and Utopia's wider project leadership team.
• Step in to support the Project Manager or Head of Construction with key construction decisions when required.

• Bachelor's degree inCivil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional construction experience, with significant experience in senior site or construction management positions.
• Strong experience managingcomplex construction projects from enabling works through structural and finishing stages.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience withexcavation, shoring, dewatering, foundations, piling, and/or other complex substructure works.
• Proven experience coordinating major contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and multidisciplinary site teams.
• Experience managing projects inDubai/UAE is strongly preferred, ideally including at least one project delivered through the full construction cycle.
• Strong background inhigh-end hospitality, luxury residential, mixed-use, commercial, or other high-complexity construction projects.
• Strong understanding ofDubai/UAE construction regulations, permitting requirements, HSE standards, and local construction practices.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage contractors and challenge decisions when necessary.
• Proficiency in construction management and project software such asAutoCAD, MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, Aconex, or similar platforms.
• Fluent Englishis required for communication with Utopia's international project and management teams.
• Previous experience deliveringluxury hotels, resorts, ultra-luxury residential developments, or landmark commercial projects.
• Experience with large-scale excavation and basement/substructure packages.
• Experience working with international consultants and contractors.
• Post-graduate qualification inConstruction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience managing projects with significant structural, architectural, and MEP coordination requirements.

• This opportunity is basedon-site in Dubai, UAE, working closely with the team delivering the project.
• A senior position with significant responsibility and direct exposure to Utopia's international construction leadership.
• The opportunity to work on ahigh-complexity, high-end project in Dubaithat will become a significant addition to your professional portfolio.
• A truly international team of architects, engineers, project managers, and construction professionals working to a high standard of quality.
• All tools and software required for the role are provided and kept up to date.
• The opportunity to take ownership of major construction activities from site mobilization through delivery.