Construction Manager jobs in United Arab Emirates

To lead the construction and commissioning of a large-scale power and / or water plant from the Owner’s side, ensuring full compliance with HSE standards, EPC contract terms, regulatory obligations, and stakeholder expectations, while driving safe, high-quality, on-time, and within-budget delivery.

About The Role

Reporting to : CEO of the Project Company, with a dotted line to the Head of Project GCC

Field : Construction – Commissioning

Level : Management

Status : Regular

Schedule : Full time

Key Responsibilities

Lead the plant construction on behalf of the Owner with the Owner’s Engineer (OE) support.

Ensure HSE performance meets high standards without lost-time accidents or severe injuries.

Oversee all construction work, coordinate OE, contractors, authorities, interface parties, and EPC Contractor.

Ensure adherence to Good Engineering and Construction Practices and Project Management Institute guidelines.

Timely identification and reporting of variances, and lead corrective action planning.

Integrate the EPC and regulatory schedules into the overall construction timeline.

Lead design review, commissioning, technical meetings, and stakeholder interactions.

Review and issue commissioning procedures, performance test reports, and design decisions.

Supervise OE team and manage interactions with lenders, insurers, and O&M teams.

Prepare and deliver regular progress reports and technical memos.

Manage daily stakeholder interfaces including off-taker, power supplier, local authorities, and more.

Coordinate site activities of any directly engaged contractors, ensuring integration and safety.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Foster an inclusive safety culture that encourages proactive reporting and action.

Support the Construction HSE Manager in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Ensure safe construction practices, work permits, and local regulation compliance.

Validate work method statements, lifting plans, and HSE implementations by EPC Contractors.

Uphold and enforce internal and external HSE standards and governance documents.

Participate in HSE programs, inspections, and leadership walkdowns.

Ensure effective operation of Safe Systems of Work like Permit to Work and LOTO.

Identify and ensure competency of key personnel; assign KPIs where appropriate.

Chair or participate in construction progress meetings, emphasizing HSE performance.

Contractual / Commercial

Understand project contracts, report variances, and propose mitigations.

Assist with drafting contractual correspondence to EPC Contractors and Off-takers.

Identify deliverables for authorities and partners; coordinate commissioning milestones.

Support claims management and enforce commercial terms.

Manage power consumption in EPC and offtake agreements.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

10–15 years of experience in power or water projects, ideally with contractor background.

PMP certification and NEBOSH or equivalent HSE qualification preferred.

Experience in the Middle East is a plus.

Strong HSE leadership and negotiation skills.

Contract management experience, especially EPC contracts.

Technical understanding of power and water plant systems.

Proven leadership and cultural adaptability.

Effective communication and reporting capabilities.

Familiarity with SWRO / power plant technologies is a plus.

Comfortable with digital tools and environments.

Fluent in English; Arabic and French are advantages.

Job Types : Full-time, Permanent