Project Manager (Contractor Side Role)

Role Overview

Designation - Project Manager

Industry - Main Contracting/Construction

Location: Dubai, UAE

We are looking for an accomplished Project Manager with a minimum of 15 years of construction experience and a strong background with Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractors. The Project Manager will have overall responsibility for the successful execution and delivery of assigned construction projects, ensuring completion within approved program, budget, quality and HSE requirements. The ideal candidate must have extensive hands-on experience managing major building projects in the UAE and should have independently managed projects through key stages including mobilization, structural works, architectural and MEP coordination, finishing, testing & commissioning, handover and project close-out.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the planning, execution, monitoring and successful delivery of assigned construction projects.

• Lead projects from mobilization through construction, testing & commissioning, handover and close-out.

• Establish project execution strategies, priorities, milestones and resource requirements.

• Review and monitor the baseline program, construction schedule and project milestones.

• Coordinate closely with Planning Engineers to monitor progress and identify potential delays.

• Develop and implement recovery plans and mitigation measures where project progress falls behind schedule.

• Manage site operations and ensure works are executed according to approved drawings, specifications, method statements and contractual requirements.

• Lead and manage Project Engineers, Construction Managers, Site Engineers, MEP teams, QA/QC, HSE and other project personnel.

• Coordinate civil, structural, architectural and MEP activities to ensure smooth project execution.

• Review manpower, plant, equipment and material requirements and ensure resources are effectively deployed.

• Coordinate procurement schedules and ensure long-lead materials and critical packages are identified and procured in line with the program.

• Manage subcontractors and specialist contractors, including performance, progress, quality and contractual obligations.

• Chair project progress meetings and internal coordination meetings.

• Represent the main contractor in meetings with the client, consultant, authorities, subcontractors and other stakeholders.

• Monitor project budgets, costs, productivity and resource utilization in coordination with the Commercial and QS teams.

• Review project cash-flow requirements and support management in financial forecasting.

• Coordinate with the Commercial/Contracts team regarding variations, claims, extensions of time and contractual correspondence.

• Identify potential contractual and commercial risks and escalate them to management in a timely manner.

• Ensure timely submission and closure of RFIs, technical submittals, shop drawings, material approvals and other project documentation.

• Ensure construction activities comply with project QA/QC requirements and approved Inspection & Test Plans.

• Monitor NCRs, site observations and corrective actions and ensure timely closure.

• Ensure strict implementation of project HSE requirements and promote a strong safety culture across the project.

• Coordinate with consultants and relevant authorities for inspections, approvals and project requirements.

• Proactively identify technical, operational, commercial and program risks and implement mitigation measures.

• Monitor project KPIs and prepare accurate progress and management reports.

• Manage testing and commissioning activities in coordination with MEP and specialist subcontractors.

• Lead snagging, de-snagging and final inspection activities.

• Manage project handover requirements including authority approvals, as-built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties and close-out documentation.

• Support the management of the Defects Liability Period (DLP) and ensure outstanding defects are closed within required timelines.

• Maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key project stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized university.

• Minimum 15 years of overall construction experience.

• Extensive UAE/GCC construction experience, with strong UAE experience highly preferred.

• Proven experience working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractors is mandatory.

• Strong experience delivering major building construction projects.

• High-rise residential, commercial, hospitality or mixed-use project experience is strongly preferred.

• Proven track record of independently managing at least one significant project through major construction stages and handover.

• Strong knowledge of construction methodology, sequencing and project execution.

• Strong understanding of structural, architectural and MEP coordination.

• Strong project planning, program monitoring and recovery-planning capabilities.

• Experience managing large project teams, subcontractors and multiple specialist packages.

• Good commercial awareness including project budgets, variations, claims, EOTs and cost control. • Working knowledge of construction contracts and contractual obligations.

• Strong understanding of QA/QC and HSE requirements.

• Experience dealing with clients, consultants and relevant authorities.

• Strong leadership, decision-making, negotiation and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to perform effectively under demanding project timelines.

• PMP or equivalent project management certification will be an advantage.