Construction Manager Theming

STRABAG SE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking an experienced Construction Manager Theming for a theme park project in Abu Dhabi. The role requires a Bachelor's Degree and at least 10 years of themed construction experience, particularly with theme park projects. Candidates must have expertise in creative construction management, quality control, and budget management. Strong leadership and communication skills are necessary to ensure project success, maintaining high standards and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in themed construction, specifically for theme parks.
• Experience with international theme park brands is a strong advantage.
• Strong aesthetic judgment and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed plans and schedules for thematic elements.
• Monitor quality of materials and workmanship.
• Prepare cost estimates and manage budgets.
• Select and supervise specialized subcontractors.
• Oversee on-site construction activities and safety protocols.
• Act as primary liaison between stakeholders.
• Respond to work delays and unexpected technical challenges.

Skills

Themed construction expertise

Scenic fabrication knowledge

Technical drawing interpretation

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

SketchUp

Rhino

Job description

Are you looking for a new challenge and would like to join us in shaping STRABAG? Then find out what you can expect here.

• Proven expertise in themed construction for themeparks (immersive lands, ride show sets, adventure trails, dark rides).
• Deep knowledge of scenic fabrication: GFRC/GRP/FRP, molded concrete, rockwork, faux finishes, textured coatings, sculpting, prop building, media installations.
• Ability to interpret both technical engineering drawings and creative hand sketches/renderings/3D models (Maya, ZBrush, SketchUp, Rhino preferred).
• Experience managing interfaces between theming and:
  • Ride manufacturers
  • Show control, AV, lighting
  • Show action equipment/animatronics
  • Waterproofing, mechanical systems, fire systems
• Strong leadership, planning, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of aesthetic judgment and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in themed construction, with mandatory theme park project experience (attraction lands, show sets, immersive environments).
• Experience working on international theme park brands (e.g., Disney, Universal, Warner Bros., SeaWorld, Legoland) is a strong advantage.

For our construction project, an expansion of an existing Theme Park in Abu Dhabi, we are looking for an experienced ‘Construction Manager Theming’.

Planning, coordination, and execution of specialized construction projects involving custom themes, particularly common in the development of theme parks, water parks, and entertainment venues. This role combines general construction management responsibilities with a focus on delivering unique, highly detailed thematic elements on time, within budget, and to specific quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning and Scheduling: Developing detailed plans and schedules for the construction and installation of thematic elements, ensuring alignment with the overall project timeline.
• Quality Control: Monitoring the quality of materials and workmanship to ensure all thematic construction aligns with the intricate design specifications, often working with specialist designers and artists.
• Budget and Cost Management: Preparing cost estimates, managing budgets, tracking expenses, and handling change orders related to the specialized theming work.
• Subcontractor Coordination: Selecting, hiring, and supervising a variety of specialized subcontract and vendors, such as sculptors, painters, and fabricators, and coordinating their schedules and activities.
• Site Supervision and Safety: Overseeing day‑to‑day on‑site construction activities, enforcing health and safety protocols (e.g., PPE regulations), and conducting regular site inspections.
• Stakeholder Communication: Acting as the primary liaison between the client, architects, engineers, designers, and contractors, providing regular progress reports and resolving any issues or conflicts that may arise.
• Problem‑Solving: Responding efficiently to work delays, emergencies, or unexpected technical challenges, which can be frequent in complex theming projects.