Senior Project Manager – Data Centres | HVAC | Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Overview
A leading global engineering organisation is seeking a Senior Project Manager (Data Centres & HVAC) to deliver complex, mission-critical projects across key accounts in the Middle East.
This role is ideally suited to candidates with experience operating within an EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) contractor environment, with proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, driving financial performance, and delivering mission-critical infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities:
Project Delivery & Execution
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of data centre and HVAC projects, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification
- Manage multiple concurrent projects across complex, fast-paced environments
- Oversee all phases of project execution, from planning through to commissioning and close-out
- Ensure alignment between technical delivery, commercial objectives, and client expectations
Financial & Commercial Management
- Take full ownership of project financials (P&L, budgeting, forecasting, cost control)
- Monitor and drive project profitability, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies
- Manage change orders, variations, and commercial negotiations with clients and contractors
Stakeholder & Client Management
- Act as a senior/main point of contact for clients, ensuring strong relationship management
- Coordinate with internal teams including sales, engineering, technical support, and supply chain
- Manage external stakeholders including subcontractors, consultants, and EPC partners
- Provide regular updates and reporting to senior leadership and key stakeholders
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop project managers, site teams, and cross-functional resources
- Support resource planning and allocation across multiple projects
- Drive alignment across teams to ensure consistent project execution standards
Risk, Change & Performance Management
- Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies proactively
- Implement change management processes to drive project optimisation and efficiency
- Develop and track KPIs across cost, schedule, quality, and HSE performance
Operational Excellence
- Implement and improve project management processes, tools, and best practices
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, quality standards, and HSE regulations
Requirements:
Experience & Background
- Minimum 10+ years experience in Data Centres, HVAC, Cooling Systems, or Mission-Critical environments
- Background working within an EPC contractor or similar large-scale project delivery environment
- Proven track record managing large, complex, multi-project programmes
- Experience delivering projects within high-value, technically demanding environments
Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, cooling solutions, and critical infrastructure (essential)
- Ability to work closely with engineering and technical teams to resolve complex issues
- Understanding of data centre environments and mission-critical systems is highly advantageous
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline
- Professional certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent preferred
Financial & Commercial Skills
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost management, and margin control
- Experience managing project P&L and commercial performance
- Skilled in handling contractual matters, claims, and variations
Leadership & Soft Skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional, international teams
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability in high-pressure environments
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
