Head of Projects / Project Manager – Construction (Client-Side / Developer)

Location: UAE

Salary: Competitive (Based on experience)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager – Construction to join a leading real estate developer. This role is client-side and will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of real estate and infrastructure projects, ensuring successful execution from concept through to handover.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong balance of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and stakeholder management, with proven experience working on large-scale developments.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Lead full project lifecycle: planning, design, procurement, construction, and handover
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality standards
• Manage multiple projects or large-scale developments simultaneously
• Design & Technical Coordination

Review and coordinate:

• Architectural, structural, and MEP drawings
• Ensure alignment between consultants, contractors, and internal teams
• Drive value engineering and design optimization
• Contract & Commercial Management

Oversee preparation and review of:

• BOQs, tenders, and contract documentation
• Manage contractor procurement, evaluation, and appointment
• Administer contracts (preferably FIDIC-based) and manage variations/claims
• Project Controls & Cost Management

Develop and monitor:

• Project schedules
• Budgets and cost forecasts
• Track progress and implement corrective actions where required
• Ensure robust project controls and reporting frameworks are in place

Stakeholder Management

Act as the key interface between:

• Internal leadership
• Consultants
• Contractors
• Regulatory authorities
• Provide regular progress reports to senior management

Risk & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate project risks
• Ensure compliance with:
• Local regulations
• Health & safety standards
• Company governance frameworks

Team Leadership

• Lead and coordinate project teams, including engineers and consultants
• Drive performance, accountability, and delivery excellence

Requirements

Experience

• 8–12+ years of experience in:
• Construction project management
• Real estate development (developer/client-side preferred)
• Proven track record delivering large-scale projects

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Architecture or related field
• Certifications (Preferred)
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of:
• Project lifecycle management
• Contracts and procurement
• Cost control and planning tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project)
• Solid knowledge of MEP systems and construction methodologies

Other Requirements

• Experience working in the UAE and/or KSA
• Arabic language skills are an advantage
• Ability to work in a client-facing, on-site environment

Key Competencies

• Strong commercial and contractual awareness
• Excellent stakeholder and communication skills
• Hands-on, solution-oriented approach
• Ability to manage complexity across multiple projects and teams