Senior Project Manager - Development

Arada; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Arada in Dubai seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead end-to-end development project delivery from design development through procurement, construction, handover and close-out. You will coordinate with internal teams, consultants, contractors and authorities to ensure projects meet ARADA's strategic objectives and quality standards.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive UAE development experience, and a robust understanding of design, construction, and governance processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is required.
• Master’s degree or professional certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of development projects from design through handover.
• Manage all development phases including design, approvals, procurement, construction and defects liability.
• Develop and maintain detailed execution plans, schedules, budgets and risk registers.
• Monitor progress against milestones and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, contractors and authorities to ensure alignment with objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Project planning

Team mentoring

Decision-making under pressure

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related

Master's Degree or professional certifications (PMP, RICS, CIOB, PRINCE2) would be an advantage

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Excel

Project reporting tools

Job description

About Us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive.

About Us

At Arada, we create communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Through innovative developments, exceptional customer experiences and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping places where people can live, work and thrive. Joining Arada means becoming part of a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering excellence across every aspect of our business.

Role Purpose

The Senior Project Manager will lead the end-to-end execution of development projects from design development through procurement, construction, handover, and close-out. Working closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and authorities, the successful candidate will ensure the successful delivery of projects aligned with ARADA's strategic objectives, quality expectations, and commercial goals.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and successful delivery of assigned development projects.
• Manage projects through all development phases including design, authority approvals, procurement, construction, testing & commissionig, handover, and defects liability period.
• Develop and maintain detailed project execution plans, schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
• Monitor project performance against agreed milestones and implement corrective actions where required.

Design & Development Management

• Coordinate with the Design Management team to ensure designs meet project objectives, regulatory requirements, cost targets, and construction feasibility.
• Review consultant deliverables to ensure quality, completeness, and alignment with project briefs.
• Drive value engineering initiatives while maintaining design intent and customer experience.

Construction Management

• Oversee contractors, consultants, and project management consultants throughout project execution.
• Monitor construction progress, quality, health & safety, and compliance with project specifications.
• Conduct regular site inspections and progress meetings to ensure timely issue resolution.
• Ensure projects achieve practical completion and handover in accordance with company standards.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Work closely with Commercial and Procurement teams to monitor project budgets and cost performance.
• Review variation orders, claims, payment applications, and commercial risks.
• Support contract administration and ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders across Development, Design, Commercial, Finance, Legal, Sales, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Facilities Management.
• Coordinate with government authorities and utility providers to obtain required approvals and permits.
• Build strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and external partners.

Risk & Governance

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with company governance, development processes, quality standards, and HSE requirements.
• Prepare executive reports and project updates for senior management.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive lessons learned initiatives and implement best practices across projects.
• Promote innovation, sustainability, and efficient project delivery methodologies.
• Mentor and support junior project managers and engineers where required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree or professional certifications (PMP, RICS, CIOB, PRINCE2) would be an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in real estate development or project management.
• At least 5 years managing large-scale mixed-use, residential, hospitality, retail, or commercial developments in the UAE.
• Previous experience working with a master developer or leading real estate developer is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the UAE development lifecycle, authority approvals, procurement, construction, and handover processes.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and construction practices.
• Experience managing consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent understanding of FIDIC contracts and contract administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Excel, and project reporting tools.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities.
• Familiarity with UAE authority approval processes and local regulations.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team management
• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder management
• Project planning and execution
• Commercial acumen
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Decision-making under pressure
• Risk management
• Quality and customer focus
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Using GenAI in Your Application Process

To support a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that assessments and interviews are completed independently and without assistance from generative AI tools. This ensures we understand your strengths, your thinking, and how you approach real situations.

Why join Arada?

At Arada, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that transform communities while working alongside talented professionals in a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and make employment decisions based on merit, experience and business needs.