Company Description
CDM Smith delivers world-class solutions in water, environment, transportation, and energy to both public and private clients globally. As a full-service engineering and construction firm, we focus on addressing evolving challenges and creating sustainable, impactful solutions. By leveraging innovation and quality processes, we ensure consistent results and lasting value throughout every stage of the project lifecycle. Discover more about how we shape the future by visiting our website at cdmsmith.com.
Role Description
The Project Manager will lead and manage the delivery of complex roads and transportation infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi, ensuring compliance with local authority standards, achievement of project objectives, and successful coordination across multidisciplinary teams. The role requires strong technical understanding, authority interface experience, and proven leadership across the full project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Delivery
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of roads and transportation projects from concept, Preliminary and Detailed design till tender and Design Support during Construction Supervision.
- Manage project scope, programme, budget, risks, and quality in line with contract requirements.
- Act as the primary point of contact with the Client and Authorities.
- Ensure timely delivery of submissions, approvals, and construction milestones.
- Coordinate with the project team and ensure deliverables are completed in accordance with the agreed scope and programme.
- Fully conversant with stakeholder and authority submission processes, including but not limited to ADM IDAS Smart Hub, ITC TIP submissions, circulation plans, design NOCs and eNOC, route NOCs, and TPD submissions and approvals.
- Prepare and issue weekly Progress presentation, authority stakeholder presentations and monthly progress reports, clearly reporting the status of design progress, approvals, and key processes, and drive the design team through sound decision-making to ensure on-time project delivery.
- Manage and control the project programme using Primavera P6 or MS Project, including baselines, updates, critical path, slippages, and client reporting with mitigation and recovery plans.
- Manage and coordinate subconsultants and subcontractors, ensuring timely delivery of their scope, compliance with contractual requirements, and proper review of investigations and technical inputs.
- Manage variation orders (VOs), including identification, assessment, coordination, negotiation support, and timely agreement with the Client.
Technical Leadership
- Provide technical oversight across:
Roads and highways
Interchanges and bridges
Steel bridges and structures
Cycle tracks and active mobility corridors
Utilities (wet and dry) coordination
Landscape integration within road corridors
- Ensure designs comply with Abu Dhabi standards, guidelines, and best practices.
- Review and approve technical deliverables, reports, drawings, and models.
Authority & Stakeholder Coordination
- Lead coordination with Abu Dhabi authorities, including:
Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
ITC / relevant transport authorities
Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM)
Utility authorities TAQA-T & TAQA-D, TAQA-WS, e&, Du, etc.)
Manage NOCs, permits, approvals, and authority comments efficiently.
- Proactively resolve interface issues with stakeholders, developers, and contractors.
Team & Consultant Management
Lead multidisciplinary teams including roads, traffic, structures, utilities, drainage, landscape, and BIM.
Manage subconsultants and contractors, ensuring quality, performance, and contractual compliance.
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and promote best practices.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of Abu Dhabi Road and transportation standards
- Excellent authority coordination and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to manage large, complex infrastructure projects
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
- Commercial awareness and claims management experience
- Ability to manage fast-paced, multi-interface environments
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering (Master's degree preferred)
- Professional Engineer or equivalent certification preferred
- Minimum 15+ years of experience, with substantial experience in Abu Dhabi
- Strong background in:
- Roads & highways
- Conventional and Iconic Bridges and Steel structures
- Active mobility (Sports cycle tracks, walkability)
- Utilities and landscape integration
