Project Manager, Dubai

St Mary’s University; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in the UK seeks an experienced Project Manager to spearhead the establishment of its new international branch campus in Dubai. This pivotal role involves overseeing the full project lifecycle to ensure successful delivery. Ideal candidates will have proven international project management experience, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to effectively manage budgets and resources. This is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a transformative initiative in global education.

Qualifications

• Experience in education or campus-establishment projects is advantageous.
• Strong leadership and direction capabilities across project phases.
• Ability to manage risks, issues, budgets, and resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the set-up and delivery of the new campus in Dubai.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders and manage project risks.
• Drive continuous improvement and shape the University’s international future.

Skills

Proven experience managing full lifecycle projects

International project experience

Excellent organisation, planning, and communication skills

Strong stakeholder-management capability

Confidence managing budgets and resources

Resilience, flexibility, and a solutions-focused mindset

Job description

Project Manager – International Branch Campus (Dubai, UAE)

2 years fixed term contract

St Mary’s University is embarking on an exciting new chapter as we propose to establish our first international branch campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a key pillar of our Vision 2030, this strategic initiative will expand our global footprint, enhance student success, and strengthen our contribution to international education. The Dubai campus will serve as a model for future international growth, making this a rare and high-impact opportunity.

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the set-up and delivery of the new St Mary’s University campus in Dubai. You will take ownership of the full project lifecycle—planning, executing, monitoring, and closing—ensuring the campus is delivered on time, within scope, and to budget.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strong leadership and direction across all project phases
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage risks and issues proactively
• Oversee budgets, resources, and reporting
• Drive continuous improvement and best practice
• Play a central role in shaping the University’s international future

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a Higher Education environment and contribute to a transformative global initiative.

About you

You will bring:

• Proven experience managing full lifecycle projects
• International project experience
• Understanding of education or campus-establishment projects
• Excellent organisation, planning, and communication skills
• Strong stakeholder-management capability
• Confidence managing budgets and resources
• Resilience, flexibility, and a solutions-focused mindset

The work is based in UK, Main Campus and you will be expected to travel to Dubai as required in this role.

If you are motivated by innovation, enjoy navigating complex projects, and are excited by the chance to shape a major international development, we would love to hear from you.

To apply for the role, please submit your CV with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the vacancy.

Overview

As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high-quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

St Mary’s University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Learn more about our EDI initiatives and work as a Disability Confident employer.

Please view our detailed access guide by following the link: St. Mary's University | AccessAble.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. St Mary’s University is holding a work visa sponsorship licence however we will not always be able to guarantee a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you meet the requirements of the Points Based System before applying as we will not be able to provide advice on individual cases. Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK.

Closing Date: 4 January at 23:00