JOB DESCRIPTION

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER – CONSTRUCTION

High-Rise Residential & Commercial Developments

Job Reference ID: ANT-SPM-20260908
Location: UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Real Estate Development / Construction

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager – Construction to take full responsibility for the successful delivery of major construction and development projects across the complete project lifecycle.

The role will have end-to-end responsibility covering design, tendering, procurement, construction execution, contract administration, project controls, cost, programme, quality, health & safety, authority approvals, stakeholder management, commissioning, handover and project closeout.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with approved scope, cost, programme, functionality, quality, contractual and regulatory requirements.

The position requires a strong combination of technical construction knowledge, project management, commercial and contractual expertise, planning, procurement, design management and leadership capability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. GENERAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Apply industry best practices to review and analyse project processes and policies and provide recommendations for improving systems and project delivery.

• Advise Senior Management on project progress, risks, issues and challenges and provide subject matter expertise to support successful delivery.

• Understand all project components and establish effective coordination between design, procurement, construction, commercial and operational functions.

• Define project scope and objectives in coordination with Senior Management.

• Develop detailed project schedules and Gantt Charts to monitor activities, milestones and completion dates.

• Create detailed work plans identifying and sequencing activities required for successful project delivery.

• Manage client and stakeholder expectations and ensure delivery remains within agreed scope and timeframe.

• Shortlist and evaluate Consultants, Designers, Main Contractors, Subcontractors, Suppliers and Vendors.

• Support the identification, selection, negotiation and appointment of qualified Consultants and project service providers.

• Establish project budgets, timelines and cost estimates for design and construction.

• Manage project team performance and resources.

• Provide strong site and project leadership and motivate project teams to achieve agreed objectives and milestones.

• Monitor cash-flow projections and actual cash flow and report variances to Senior Management on a regular basis.

• Manage day-to-day project activities and resources.

• Chair project management and progress meetings.

• Manage the project from pre-construction budgeting and scheduling through procurement, shop drawings, design coordination, construction, space turnover and contract closeout.

• Maintain accountability for the financial and commercial performance of assigned projects.

2. DESIGN MANAGEMENT

• Obtain and evaluate quotations from Consultants, Designers and Specialists.

• Review consultant scopes of work and technical/commercial proposals.

• Conduct technical and commercial comparisons and provide recommendations for appointments.

• Monitor the performance of internal and external architectural and engineering teams.

• Ensure design activities are delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with Design Guidelines and contractual requirements.

• Monitor design development from conceptual design through schematic design and detailed/contract documentation.

• Conduct design reviews throughout all stages of development.

• Carry out ongoing constructability reviews to ensure designs support programme and budget requirements.

• Monitor Consultant submissions required for regulatory approvals and permits.

• Implement Design-to-Budget requirements within relevant RFPs and design-service contracts.

• Monitor compliance with approved Design-to-Budget requirements.

• Promptly advise Management of any event or situation likely to affect project scope, quality, content or functionality.

• Advise Management where design compromises may be required between project objectives and requirements.

• Integrate design activities into the Master Programme, allowing sufficient time for Management and Client approvals.

• Review project cost estimates, Value Engineering proposals and cost reconciliation.

• Review design deliverables and conduct detailed technical and coordination checks.

• Ensure design information is circulated to relevant project stakeholders in a timely manner to minimise abortive work.

• Monitor Consultant performance against agreed design deliverables and programmes.

• Recommend corrective actions where Consultant performance may affect project milestones or completion dates.

• Allow appropriate programme periods for Municipality permits, NOCs, statutory approvals and other authority requirements.

• Manage the design process with strong technical, commercial, contractual and programme awareness.

• Advise Management regarding requirements and obligations necessary to achieve optimum building design.

• Review project plans and specifications and identify potential design, scheduling, cost and construction issues.

• Ensure designs are compliant, cost-effective and constructible without compromising statutory approvals or NOCs.

• Manage Consultants to ensure contractual milestones, terms and conditions are achieved on or below budget, on time or ahead of schedule and to approved quality standards.

• Coordinate project designs across all team members and Consultants.

• Optimise design efficiency and minimise project risks and adverse schedule variance.

• Monitor design performance and provide appropriate feedback to Management.

• Ensure design processes comply with relevant standards and codes of practice.

• Ensure design information remains accurate, complete and aligned with project timelines.

• Ensure Health, Safety and Environmental requirements are identified early within the design process.

• Ensure appropriate design-stage risks are identified, mitigated and implemented.

3. AUTHORITY APPROVALS & STATUTORY COMPLIANCE

• Coordinate statutory submissions with Consultants and relevant project stakeholders.

• Ensure Municipality permits, NOCs and other statutory approvals are obtained within the required programme.

• Manage preparation of documentation required for project clearances and construction permissions.

• Liaise with relevant local authorities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Monitor approval timelines and proactively address potential delays.

• Ensure project design and construction activities comply with applicable rules, regulations, standards and codes.

• Ensure authority requirements are properly incorporated into project schedules and delivery plans.

4. TENDERING & PROCUREMENT

• Manage the complete tendering process, including:

  • Contracting strategy

  • Scope of Work

  • Contractor prequalification

  • Tender documentation

  • Bid evaluation

  • Commercial and technical evaluation

  • Contract negotiation

  • Contract finalisation

  • Contract controls

  • Contract administration

• Review tender documents, RFPs, RFQs and bids to identify technical and commercial risks.

• Ensure tender and contract documentation complies with company procedures.

• Review proposed conditions of contract, forms of tender, preambles and other commercial terms for consistency.

• Establish and implement effective claims-avoidance procedures during contractor and service-provider selection.

• Analyse contract requirements, provisions, terms and conditions.

• Ensure contracts are executed in accordance with approved procedures and guidelines.

• Monitor performance of signed contracts.

• Prepare contract status reports, correspondence and agreements for Management.

• Understand RFP scope, terms and conditions and identify risks and contingencies through structured risk analysis.

• Manage proposal delivery to meet RFP objectives.

• Define scope, BOQs and specifications for subcontracts.

• Evaluate subcontractor tenders and negotiate and finalise subcontract agreements.

• Conduct subcontractor kick-off meetings and establish work programmes.

• Prepare procurement plans, programmes and budgets aligned with Management objectives.

• Manage procurement budgets.

• Review and control project costs, change orders, estimates, budgets, disbursements, shop drawings and related project matters.

• Negotiate commercial contracts with Contractors and Suppliers.

• Manage contract terms to achieve value for money, quality standards and delivery requirements.

• Source Contractors, Suppliers and products to optimise project cost and performance.

• Assess tenders, RFQs and RFPs and establish processes to measure contractor/supplier performance, quality and compliance.

• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Monitor market changes affecting supply and demand and advise Management on potential impacts.

• Recommend solutions that optimise cost without compromising quality or service.

• Lead Value Engineering initiatives to optimise design, cost and programme while maintaining required quality.

• Support achievement of the lowest Total Installed Cost and earliest realisation of revenue from completed assets.

• Review cost and schedule forecasts and project performance reports.

• Review estimates based on historical data, engineering take-offs, vendor information, subcontractor proposals, site conditions and project requirements.

5. CONTRACT & COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Monitor and review contract management activities to ensure cost engineering, planning/scheduling and contract administration meet project requirements.

• Monitor compliance with contract terms and conditions.

• Manage contractual correspondence and documentation.

• Review Contractor and Consultant contractual obligations and performance.

• Manage change requests and variations.

• Monitor payment procedures and commercial documentation.

• Support claims avoidance and resolution.

• Ensure contractual risks are identified and managed.

• Maintain accurate commercial and contractual records.

• Coordinate with relevant teams regarding project claims and contractual matters.

• Support preparation and review of contractual letters and responses.

6. PROJECT EXECUTION & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

• Manage all aspects of project planning, execution and closure.

• Ensure effective stakeholder management, project planning, scheduling, reporting, team leadership, issue resolution, budget tracking, forecasting and risk management.

• Deliver projects within approved scope, schedule and budget while maintaining required quality standards.

• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and quality.

• Address technical and engineering issues, manpower requirements, drawing changes and construction matters.

• Review Main Contractor and Subcontractor programmes and ensure proper integration.

• Review and endorse project baselines, progress schedules and forecasts.

• Monitor construction progress and provide direction to project personnel to ensure delivery on schedule and within budget.

• Ensure Contractors comply with safety, environmental, technical and quality standards.

• Lead and direct technical and commercial project teams.

• Execute and monitor project activities.

• Identify opportunities to improve construction processes and execution strategies.

• Conduct regular site visits to monitor Contractor and Subcontractor performance.

• Review construction progress and provide forward planning and execution strategies.

• Monitor Contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

• Track project progress, risks, effectiveness and team performance.

• Develop contingency plans and corrective actions where required.

• Manage changes to project scope, cost and schedule.

• Liaise with Main Contractors and Subcontractors to ensure successful execution.

• Coordinate priorities and resources across multiple projects where required.

• Prepare and update project plans and status reports.

• Coordinate cross-functional project meetings.

• Maintain accountability for time, cost and quality.

• Ensure projects are completed within approved budgets and programmes.

• Lead regular progress meetings and monitor action items.

• Develop project documentation and implement lessons learned.

• Assist with preparation of budget estimates.

• Support development of work plans and project budgets.

• Maintain project financials and budgets.

• Submit regular Management reports highlighting project progress, risks and areas requiring decisions.

• Monitor Contractor and Subcontractor performance and ensure system performance is not compromised.

• Assess, manage and minimise the impact of design changes, construction changes and schedule slippages.

7. FIDIC, CLAIMS, VARIATIONS & EXTENSION OF TIME

• Review contractual letters from Engineers, Contractors and major Subcontractors.

• Draft contractual responses and provide contractual assistance where required.

• Respond to contractual matters in a timely manner.

• Ensure timely notification of known delays, disruptions and additional works.

• Maintain contemporary records of delays, stoppages, disruptions and areas of concern.

• Liaise with the project team regarding Extension of Time (EOT) submissions.

• Assist in drafting EOT submissions where applicable.

• Formulate and manage Variation Orders.

• Assess the contractual and commercial implications of project changes.

• Maintain appropriate records to protect the organisation's contractual and commercial position.

8. PROJECT GOVERNANCE, PLANNING & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Develop integrated operational and project plans aligned with approved business plans.

• Establish project structures to support timely project delivery.

• Establish and manage project governance frameworks and steering committees.

• Mobilise project teams and resources.

• Develop and manage project budgets.

• Ensure project resources are used effectively.

• Develop project cash flows with Consultants and Contractors and monitor them regularly.

• Develop project-specific risk management plans.

• Lead project teams through established work-authorisation processes.

• Identify, assess and mitigate project risks.

• Support Finance by ensuring accurate and timely project information.

• Ensure accurate financial information flows between project and Finance teams.

• Evaluate project changes through formal change-control procedures.

• Manage third-party Contractors and Consultants.

• Ensure third-party inputs, designs and deliverables are appropriately integrated.

• Coordinate with other internal departments and provide project information as required.

9. QUALITY, HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT

• Ensure all construction activities comply with approved specifications, quality requirements and contractual standards.

• Ensure Health, Safety and Environmental requirements are continuously implemented.

• Ensure Contractors and Subcontractors comply with applicable HSE policies and procedures.

• Identify and mitigate project risks.

• Monitor quality performance and resolve non-compliance issues.

• Ensure construction methods and design solutions do not compromise quality, safety or regulatory requirements.

• Ensure project teams maintain appropriate quality and safety documentation.

• Monitor and report significant quality, safety and environmental risks to Management.

10. PROJECT HANDOVER, SNAGGING & CLOSEOUT

• Manage project completion and closeout.

• Ensure project closure reports are finalised with appropriate approvals/sign-off.

• Oversee project documentation covering all phases of construction.

• Ensure accurate records are maintained for:

  • Correspondence

  • Due diligence reports

  • Budgets

  • Schedules

  • Meeting minutes

  • Financial funding requests

  • Status reports

  • Key issues

  • Special reports

• Ensure project documentation complies with established formats and requirements.

• Oversee Document Control management.

• Ensure project documentation generated by project teams, Contractors and Consultants is properly managed, retained and safeguarded.

• Ensure project information can be efficiently retrieved when required.

• Coordinate final handover to end users.

• Oversee property handover and closeout activities.

• Manage snagging and de-snagging activities.

• Coordinate resolution of post-handover issues.

• Ensure outstanding defects and post-handover matters are resolved.

• Complete final contractual and project closeout requirements.

11. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in the construction industry.

• Experience covering both civil construction and interiors/fit-out works.

• Proven and substantial UAE experience in high-rise residential and commercial towers is mandatory.

• Strong understanding of the complete construction and project delivery process.

• Proven experience managing projects from design through tendering, procurement, execution, construction, authority approvals and final handover.

• Strong practical knowledge of FIDIC contracts is mandatory.

12. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate should have strong knowledge and practical experience in:

• High-rise residential and commercial construction.

• Building construction and project delivery.

• Civil and structural works.

• Interior and fit-out works.

• Design management.

• Construction planning and scheduling.

• Tendering and procurement.

• BOQ preparation and review.

• Cost estimation and cost control.

• Budget management.

• Cash-flow forecasting.

• Contract administration.

• FIDIC contracts.

• Variations and change orders.

• Claims and Extension of Time.

• Contractor and subcontractor management.

• Consultant management.

• Authority approvals and NOCs.

• Quality management.

• HSE management.

• Risk management.

• Value Engineering.

• Project governance.

• Project documentation and closeout.

13. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Hands-on proficiency in:

• Primavera P6 / Primavera

• MS Project

• Aconex

14. KEY COMPETENCIES

• Senior Project Management

• High-Rise Construction

• Construction Project Delivery

• Design Management

• Tender & Procurement Management

• Contract Administration

• FIDIC Contract Management

• Commercial Management

• Cost Control

• Budget Management

• Programme Management

• Risk Management

• Change Management

• Value Engineering

• Consultant Management

• Contractor Management

• Authority Coordination

• Quality Management

• HSE Management

• Stakeholder Management

• Team Leadership

• Project Governance

• Project Handover & Closeout

15. LEADERSHIP & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong leadership and team-management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong stakeholder-management capability.

• Strong negotiation and commercial awareness.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability.

• Strong analytical and planning skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and project-critical deadlines.

• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving project risks and issues.

• Strong attention to detail and documentation.

• Ability to work effectively with Senior Management, Consultants, Contractors, Authorities and multidisciplinary project teams.

16. KEY DELIVERY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to ensure that:

• Projects are delivered on time, within approved budgets and to required quality standards.

• Project scope and changes are effectively controlled.

• Designs remain aligned with project objectives, budget and programme.

• Tendering and procurement are commercially sound and compliant with procedures.

• Contractors and Consultants meet their contractual obligations.

• Authority approvals and NOCs are secured within required timelines.

• Project risks are proactively identified, monitored and mitigated.

• Project cash flow and financial performance are effectively managed.

• Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental requirements are maintained.

• Variations, claims, delays and EOT matters are properly documented and managed.

• Project documentation is complete, accurate and properly controlled.

• Projects are successfully handed over to end users.

• Snagging and post-handover issues are resolved efficiently.

• Project closure is completed with all required documentation and approvals.

JOB REFERENCE

ANT-SPM-20260908

Position: Senior Project Manager – Construction