Project Manager - Design (Pre-Contract)

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Project Manager – Pre-Contract will work closely with Design Team Leaders and Project Directors to deliver a wide range of projects within defined deadlines that support the company’s business objectives. The role involves managing the pre-contract project cycle, overseeing consultant procurement, coordinating authority submissions, monitoring risks, and ensuring compliance with project budgets, timelines, and scope requirements.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in preparing design briefs and RFPs (technical scope) for the procurement of lead and sub-consultancy services.
• Oversee project procurement management, ensuring project scope is comprehensively covered across all consultants to avoid future variations.
• Respond to consultants’ tender queries by coordinating with the relevant Design Manager(s) and supporting the Contracts & Commercial Department.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date database of consultants and manage pre-qualification for different scopes and disciplines.
• Assist in monitoring design team workload and task allocation on designated task sheets.
• Develop and maintain standardized templates for the Design Department.
• Support internal company stakeholders by providing project-related documentation and assistance as required.
• Create, maintain, and coordinate comprehensive project documentation including plans, schedules, and progress records.
• Monitor project information and provide reporting to senior leadership on status, risks, and progress.
• Liaise and collaborate with project teams and stakeholders to clarify requirements, objectives, and deliverables.
• Analyze project insights and prepare regular progress reports for leadership.
• Track and ensure stakeholders’ needs are addressed as projects evolve.
• Assess, document, and communicate project risks and issues, providing solutions where possible.
• Organize and attend stakeholder meetings, preparing presentations and recording minutes.
• Follow up on the status of authority applications and NOCs, and prepare summary reports on progress and related risks.
• Monitor and control project costs to ensure completion within the approved budget.
• Manage changes in project scope, schedule, and costs; ensure modifications are documented, justified, and approved.
• Monitor the project contract, manage scope and variations, identify risks, and ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
• Oversee project closure, ensuring contractual obligations are met, and conduct post-project evaluations to identify successes and improvement areas.

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering.

EXPERIENCE

• 8–12 years of proven work experience, with at least 3 years as a Project Manager or in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects from conception through delivery.
• Strong exposure to pre-contract project management in the real estate or construction sector.

SKILLS

• Fluent in English (verbal and written).
• Solid organizational and multitasking skills with strong time-management ability.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with risk management, quality assurance, and compliance controls.
• Ability to prepare and interpret flowcharts, schedules, and detailed action plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Hands-on experience with project management tools (e.g., MS Projects, MS Planner).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of FIDIC contracts or completion of arbitration courses is an advantage.