Senior Project Manager jobs in United Arab Emirates

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Projects Manager with over 20 years in construction project management, to lead and manage major construction projects across all phases—from initiation to handover. This leadership role requires deep expertise in overseeing contractors, consultants, and the entire contracts lifecycle, ensuring full compliance with technical, legal, safety, and financial standards.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader in delivering large-scale, complex projects, with a solid background in construction contracts management, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Define project execution strategies, aligning them with organizational objectives and client expectations.
• Lead planning activities, feasibility assessments, project controls setup, and procurement strategies.

Contracts Management & Compliance

• Oversee the full lifecycle of contracts with contractors, and consultants, from drafting and negotiation to execution and closeout.
• Ensure strict compliance with contract terms, project specifications, codes, laws, and regulatory requirements.
• Review and validate contract deliverables, payment applications, claims, variations, and extension of time requests.
• Interface with legal, procurement, and finance departments to ensure risk-managed, compliant contract execution.
• Administer change management processes, including scope clarifications and formal amendments.
• Ensure all parties adhere to local labor laws, safety codes, insurance requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Keep all documentation current and audit-ready, ensuring traceability for claims or disputes.

Contractor & Consultant Supervision

• Direct and supervise the activities of all contractors and consultants to ensure adherence to quality, timeline, safety, and budget.
• Conduct regular performance assessments of third parties, issuing corrective actions as necessary.
• Chair progress and coordination meetings with contractors, consultants, and internal teams.
• Enforce site safety protocols, quality control procedures, and technical standards as per contract.

Project Execution & Oversight

• Manage large-scale, high-budget construction projects from inception to final handover.
• Monitor project schedules, progress reports, and milestones to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Resolve critical path delays, scope disputes, and resource constraints effectively.

Financial & Risk Management

• Develop, manage, and control project budgets, cash flows, and financial forecasts.
• Identify risks proactively and implement mitigation strategies to minimize cost and time impacts.
• Conduct regular cost-to-complete assessments and reporting.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead cross-disciplinary internal teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Mentor and develop junior project managers, engineers, and site personnel.
• Engage effectively with clients, authorities, utilities, and third-party stakeholders to resolve technical and contractual issues.

Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure execution of all work complies with relevant codes, standards, and regulations.
• Conduct regular safety audits and enforce a zero-incident safety culture.
• Lead quality assurance reviews, including inspections, testing, and commissioning.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s degree or MBA preferred)
• 20+ years of experience in construction project management, including at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience in contracts administration and construction law—including drafting, negotiation, and enforcement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise contractors and consultants across diverse project types (commercial, infrastructure, industrial).
• In-depth knowledge of project delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, EPC), FIDIC or other standard contract forms.
• Proficient in project management and contract software tools (e.g., Procore, Aconex, Primavera P6, MS Project).
• PMP, CCM, or similar certification is highly desirable.
• Strong communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Project Leadership
• Contract and Claims Management
• Regulatory and Legal Compliance
• Construction Methods & Technical Knowledge
• Budgeting and Financial Control
• Stakeholder Relationship Management
• Quality Assurance & Safety Enforcement
• Conflict Resolution and Risk Mitigation