Project Controls Manager

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

Job summary

A premier contracting organization based in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Project Controls Manager responsible for managing project control systems across major civil and infrastructure projects. This role demands strong analytical skills, extensive contracting experience, and proficiency in planning, scheduling, and cost control. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate familiarity with UAE market practices, possess excellent stakeholder management skills, and be capable of fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management is required, with advanced qualifications preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in project controls management roles in contracting, construction or infrastructure.
• Strong expertise in project planning, scheduling, cost control and performance monitoring.
• Excellent knowledge of UAE market dynamics and construction practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project schedules using industry-standard tools.
• Establish and manage project budgets ensuring financial discipline.
• Implement project control systems to monitor KPIs and productivity.

Skills

Project planning and scheduling

Cost control

Performance monitoring

Risk management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., PMP, CCP)

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

ERP systems

Job description

About the Client

Our client is a leading contracting organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi delivering large‑scale civil and infrastructure projects across the UAE. Operating under a global holding structure the company is recognised for its financial discipline, transparency and strong project governance.

Role Overview

The Project Controls Manager will be responsible for establishing and managing project control systems across major contracting projects including civil infrastructure and luxury residential developments. This role requires a highly analytical professional with strong contracting experience who can oversee planning, scheduling, cost control and performance monitoring to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and in compliance with governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using industry‑standard tools (e.g. Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers and site teams to align schedules with project milestones.
• Monitor progress and identify variances, recommending corrective actions where necessary.

Cost Control & Budget Management

• Establish and manage project budgets ensuring financial discipline and transparency.
• Track project expenditures, commitments and forecasts against approved budgets.
• Provide regular cost reports and variance analyses to leadership.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Implement project control systems to monitor KPIs, productivity and resource utilisation.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports for executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Support governance frameworks with transparent documentation and reporting.

Risk Management & Problem Solving

• Identify risks related to schedule, cost and resource allocation.
• Develop mitigation strategies to minimise project delays and overruns.
• Contribute to value engineering initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Team Collaboration & Development

• Work closely with project managers, engineers and commercial teams to ensure integrated project control.
• Mentor junior staff and build project control capabilities across the organisation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.

Job Requirements

• Proven track record in project controls management roles within contracting, construction or infrastructure organisations.
• Strong expertise in project planning, scheduling, cost control and performance monitoring.
• Proficiency in project control software (e.g. Primavera P6, MS Project, ERP systems).
• Excellent knowledge of UAE market dynamics, construction practices and international project control standards.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment with a focus on financial discipline and transparency.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field; Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g. PMP, CCP) preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates and will refer candidates without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.

Required Experience

Manager