Project Controls Specialist Abu Dhabi UAE

Dokainish & Company; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consultancy firm in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Project Controls Specialist. This role requires strong leadership in project monitoring and cost control across various sectors including construction and energy. Ideal candidates must possess advanced skills in Primavera P6 and project controls methodologies, and be proficient in Arabic and English. This full-time position offers the chance to work in a dynamic team focusing on capital projects. Relocation to Abu Dhabi may be required for candidates outside the region.

Qualifications

• 15 years of project experience in engineering consulting or professional services.
• Minimum 10 years in project controls, experience in capital projects is an asset.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement project controls systems for capital projects.
• Use Primavera P6 for project scheduling and updates.
• Manage Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) for accurate reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Risk management

Scheduling

Analytical skills

Communication

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g. PMP, CRMA, PSP)

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

MS Office suite (Excel)

Contruent Ecosys or Cobra

Job description

PROJECT CONTROLS SPECIALIST ABU DHABI UAE

About us

Dokainish & Company is a global organization that has been providing world class professional consultancy services since 2011. We have recently launched our MENA operations headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This expansion supports our strategy to serve government and private sector clients in capital projects across construction, infrastructure, energy and commercial developments.

We are currently seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist to be a key member of our MENA business expansion and a part of our high‑performing diverse and innovative consulting team based in Abu Dhabi.

The Opportunity

The Project Controls Specialist will play a leadership role in ensuring the successful planning and monitoring of capital projects in various sectors including construction, infrastructure, energy and commercial developments. With a focus on cost control, scheduling and risk management the Specialist will support both internal teams and clients by providing expert project controls guidance and ensuring projects meet or exceed financial and time objectives.

This is a full‑time position based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Candidates must have full professional proficiency of Arabic and English language.

Role Description

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of project controls systems and procedures for large capital projects ensuring alignment with client goals and best practices.

• Leverage Primavera P6 to develop, update and monitor detailed project schedules including preparing estimates and schedules to support project delivery.

• Develop and manage Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) to ensure accurate cost reporting and alignment with project requirements.

• Lead lifecycle forecasting activities, identifying risks and financial exposure and proactively manage cost control measures.

• Utilize earned value management techniques to analyze the relationship between planned work, executed work and actual costs, providing key insights into project efficiency.

• Perform in‑depth schedule logic analysis including critical path reviews and what‑if scenario planning to optimize project timelines and recommend corrective actions.

• Conduct variance analysis, schedule performance tracking and cost control to ensure project success.

• Oversee risk management processes ensuring risks and opportunities are integrated into the project schedule and budget.

• Administer change‑control procedures for both schedules and budgets ensuring that changes are appropriately documented and approved.

• Ensure the timely delivery of goods and services, tracking any schedule variances and taking corrective actions as needed.

• Lead the preparation and presentation of monthly project financial summaries to senior management highlighting performance against budgets, forecasts and identified risks.

• Work closely with project teams to establish and monitor project plans, schedules, budgets and risk management frameworks.

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers and contractors to ensure accurate and timely reporting of project status and milestones.

• Ensure compliance with client requirements, contractual obligations and local regulations in the UAE.

• Provide expert consulting support to clients in resolving project control issues and implementing process improvements.

Role Requirements

• 15 years of project experience with an engineering consulting or professional services company.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in project controls. Experience within capital projects, infrastructure and energy sectors is an asset.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field or equivalent working experience.

• Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g. PMP, CRMA, PSP) are preferred.

• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic.

• Expertise in Primavera P6, MS Project and MS Office suite (especially Excel).

• Experience with leading cost control systems (e.g. Contruent Ecosys, Cobra) preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of earned value management (EVM) and similar monitoring techniques.

• Advanced knowledge in cost estimation, budget management, scheduling and risk analysis (e.g. Monte Carlo simulation and bowtie analysis).

• Extensive experience in developing and managing WBS and CBS on a variety of project scopes.

• Advanced knowledge of project management methodologies including risk management and change‑control processes.

• Experience working in a consulting role and delivering high‑value project controls services to clients.

• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong leadership, communication and problem‑solving abilities.

• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced dynamic environment with minimal supervision.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

• Strong client‑facing skills with the ability to build trust and maintain relationships at senior levels.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex project controls data in a clear and concise manner.

• Experience working in the MENA region is a strong asset.

• Flexibility to work in an office environment and travel as required to client sites across the MENA region.

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on industry best practices and project controls methodologies.

• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours as required.

• This role is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE; candidates must be able to commute or be willing to relocate.

Note: This role description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills or qualifications required.

If you believe your skillset, qualifications and experience is a match we welcome your application and can't wait to hear from you.

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining Dokainish & Company in the UAE. Please note only those candidates considered for an initial interview will be contacted.

Required Experience

Senior Manager