Associate Director Project Management; Residential

Overview

As Associate Director, you will lead and manage one or more projects within the Masterplan program through the project lifecycle. You will work closely with clients, design consultants, construction supervision consultants, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met according to client requirements and expectations. You will be client‑facing and support the Client Senior Manager Delivery, ensuring project delivery through its life cycle.

Programme Delivery & Integration

• Support the Project Director in ensuring consistent PMC delivery across villa and infrastructure packages.
• Lead risk management, escalation and resolution of issues impacting multiple packages or disciplines.
• Monitor the interface between design, construction and commercial teams to ensure delivery cohesion.
• Ensure compliance with delegated responsibilities under FIDIC where PMC is the named Engineer.
• Provide technical understanding across multidisciplinary design (architecture, infrastructure, MEP, landscape).

Stakeholder & Authority Coordination

• Manage relationships with the Client and key Abu Dhabi authorities (e.g., ADM, DMT, ITC, ADDC).
• Coordinate technical and administrative interfaces across contractors, consultants and asset owners.
• Fulfil MoU‑driven authority engagements per programme and package timelines.

Commercial & Governance Alignment

• Liaise with PMC Commercial and Controls teams to ensure risk, cost and programme data consistency.
• Oversee PMC contributions to claims, variations, payment recommendations and cost reporting.
• Maintain adherence to client governance and escalation protocols.

Reporting & Communication

• Support programme‑wide reporting activities, including milestone performance, design coordination and contractor progress.
• Prepare executive‑level briefings and risk registers for client leadership.

General Requirements

• Lead cross‑functional teams and drive timely resolution of complex design and construction challenges.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and engage team members.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, balancing teamwork and independent project assignments.
• Proven track record managing complex projects, exhibiting organization, time management, resourcefulness, flexibility and communication.
• Strong financial acumen with attention to best value for investment within agreed budgets.
• Results‑driven mindset, consistently achieving project goals and driving success in design delivery.
• Ensure Atkins Réalis processes, forms and deliverables are followed, and when required, client processes and forms as applicable in consultation with the client.
• Manage, direct, lead and administrate the contracts of the various entities on the programme:
  Lead Design Consultant (LDC), other consultants appointed by the client, Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC), early works and main works contractors.
• Coordinate and assist activities with stakeholders, consultants, contractors, statutory authorities and logistics support.
• Assist the client with procurement of Design Consultant, specialists and contractors as and when required.
• Overall awareness of PMC scope of services and support with construction management, constructability, safety in design, change management, value management, risk management, scheduling, stakeholder management, technical documentation, tender packages and other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering or a relevant design discipline.
• Chartered status (e.g., RIBA, P. Eng.,
  
  C. Eng.) preferred.
• Able to work in a team environment and be client‑facing.
• Active leadership style with 20‑25 years of experience in the region, preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in the UAE in design manager roles on hospitality projects.
• 5+ years in Project Management Consultancy, preferably with post‑contract exposure.
• Deep knowledge of FIDIC contract implementation and delegated site roles.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and risk management capabilities.
• Proven authority coordination and PMC delivery experience.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership and commercial awareness.