Project Manager Building Design Global Contemporary Art Institution

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned cultural institution located in Abu Dhabi seeks a Project Manager for Building and Design to oversee and coordinate preopening work streams with a focus on art-related aspects of the museum. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in Architecture and have 10 years of relevant experience in design and project management, preferably within cultural institutions. A hybrid work schedule is offered, along with the opportunity to manage exciting projects in the contemporary art space.

Qualifications

• 10 years relevant design and project management experience, preferably on cultural institutions.
• Familiarity with Estidama and local fit-out codes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate internal specialists and external subconsultants.
• Participate in the biweekly meeting for building progress.
• Support the exhibition design and management teams.

Skills

Advanced 2D drafting skills (Vectorworks)

3D modeling and rendering skills (Rhino, Navisworks, VRay)

Project management software knowledge

Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite

Interest in fine arts - modern and contemporary

Education

M.A. in Architecture

Qualifications in Project Management

Job description

About the Role

The Museum is a global constellation of museums unlike any other in the world. Since its founding the Museum has introduced celebrated and brought to the public the newest voices and visions in modern and contemporary art. When the founders set out to share the joy they first experienced in discovering experimental art they initiated the creative risk-taking that is today synonymous throughout the world. Across the globe each museum stands not just as a backdrop for visionary art but as masterpieces in and of themselves to experience.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

This position is based in Abu Dhabi.

The Project Manager Building and Design will be responsible for project managing and coordinating the preopening work streams that closely interface with the building spatially and functionally as directed by the Museum Project Director and the Senior Advisor.

At this stage the building design is complete and construction is underway with forecast completion end of 2025. The Museum provides advice on the building infrastructure. This position will primarily project manage and coordinate the internal workstreams focusing on the art‑related aspects of the building as well as support for the exhibitions and commissions.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• M.A. in Architecture.
• Qualifications in Project Management is preferred.
• 10 years relevant design and project management experience preferably on cultural institutions and large‑scale complex building.
• Advanced 2D drafting skills (preferably Vectorworks), 3D modeling and rendering skills (Rhino, Navisworks and VRay) and advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of project management software.
• Familiarity with Estidama and local fit‑out codes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Building Design and Fit Out

• Manage and coordinate internal specialists and external subconsultants to deliver specific elements of the project on time and to the required level of quality.
• Review and coordinate the internal comments and feedback on residual design elements of the museum including landscaping F&B.
• Review and coordinate the internal comments on FFE and OSE packages prepared with a focus on art‑related areas such as: conservation, art preparation, storage, galleries etc.
• Prepare drawing sets and technical information for the respective experts to facilitate reviews and coordinate comments and feedback.
• Develop ways of visualizing and translating the building spatial and technical design to internal team members to facilitate operations planning.
• Coordinate the review of in‑situ mock‑ups to ensure experts are present.
• Periodically visit the site to review progress and report on completion milestones.
• Consult with Senior Advisor on building‑related matters, comments, approvals, schedules etc.

Project Management

• Follow up and adhere to agreed communication protocols.
• Participate in the biweekly building progress meeting.
• Maintain the project records for the building.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Maintain all the relevant digital files related to the building and artwork maquettes.

Exhibition Design and Management

• Develop diagrams/visuals to explain and translate the building spaces and functions to the curatorial and wider teams.
• Support the exhibition design and management teams by providing the gallery spatial and technical information.
• Support the exhibition management team with developing a multi‑year exhibition timeline with key deliverables milestones.
• In collaboration with the Exhibition Design lead project manage the external Exhibition Design Consultant including timeline, milestones, deliverables, reviews, approvals etc.
• Work with curatorial exhibition design and artist studios to help convey design components and requirements of the gallery space and to ensure inclusive and sustainable design.
• Prepare presentation materials as required to curators, artists, directors.
• Prepare and maintain digital maquettes of artworks as required to support exhibition design.

Commissions Management

• Support the curatorial and commissions teams to manage the commissions program with a focus on providing architectural and technical information related to the building.
• Work with curatorial team and artist studios to help convey design components and requirements of the cones and commissions spaces.
• Support in preparing the timeline and key milestones for the commissions plan including implementation and building completion.

Other capabilities

• Interest in fine arts particularly modern and contemporary.
• Attentive to details.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A team player.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

WORK DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to travel domestically or internationally.
• On occasion tours may be conducted outdoors with exposure to varied weather conditions.
• Ability to work events on nights, weekends and holidays on occasion.

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director

LOCATION: Abu Dhabi

WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid

POSITION TYPE: Fulltime