Project Manager (Design) — Abu Dhabi Full-time

We are hiring a Project Manager (Design) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This Project Manager (Design) role at KEO International Consultants is based in Abu Dhabi and offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career in engineering and construction consultancy in the UAE. Read on for full details and how to apply.

About the Project Manager (Design) role

Overview

KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we’ve led with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 51^st largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2024 WA100 Survey.

We invite you to join us. Why?

When you join KEO, you’ll discover more than just a job – you’ll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards.

Responsibilities

Our newest opportunity is for a talented Project Manager (Design) to join our team, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This position is responsible for managing large-scale hospitality projects. Candidates must have proven experience delivering hospitality projects during the design phase, as this is a mandatory requirement.

We envisage success in this role to include;

• Manage all phases throughout project scope, including project set-up, design and project coordination meetings.
• Plan and manage project scheduling, project budgets, project staffing, project work plan, and project set-up with project team and sub consultants.
• Proactively identify, assess and mitigate project risks. Resolve problems through objective and systematic analysis.
• Collaborate with Technical Leaders and colleagues to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy, and to achieve project targets.
• Ensure project standards and QAQC control procedures are implemented and maintained for each of the technical areas required to complete the job, to achieve high standards of design and documentation.
• Track and proactively manage the financial performance of project, e.g. work plan, schedule, fees, billings and collections, to ensure completion of project within budget and with maximum profitability (this includes the completion of monthly project progress reports and preparing invoices and pursuing payments).
• Create and communicate clear and attainable project objectives and project requirements to key stakeholders, including appropriate and complete communication with the client.
• Manage the performance of the project team to achieve high standards of design and documentation.
• Coordinate all other KEO Divisions and sub consultants for projects under your responsibility.
• Develop, manage and maintain effective, positive client relationships to ensure repeat business from existing clients.
• Ensure Project Terms of Reference are established, confirmed and fulfilled.
• Provide leadership and direction to the project team through proactive, engaging communication of project objectives, contract scope, terms, and schedule.
• Ensure proactive, up to date communication and reports to Design Leadership and Principle in Charge regarding project status and performance.
• Prepare look-ahead reports for MD Design, Regional A&E Services Director, and Technical Directors.
• Ensure implementation of and compliance with ISO 9001 at all stages of the project to achieve technical excellence in all deliverables.
• Make recommendations to the Technical Leaders and Project Leadership on resource needs for projects.
• Identify and proactively alert the Design Leadership Team about performance issues.
• Provide feedback and input on staff capabilities and performance to Technical Leaders.
• In relation to new work: Ensure terms of contract are followed and secure supplemental agreements as required; Prepare proposals or assist in preparation of proposals and meet with clients to discuss proposals; Assist in presentations for potential projects.
• May perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include 10 years of relevant experience on various mixed use, large scale projects, partnered with Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Engineering. Masters, PhD, or similar is an advantage.

• APM or PMP certification would be an advantage.
• Licensed as a Professional Architect or Engineer by an internationally recognized architectural or engineering association/body.
• Experience in the management of entire project lifecycle of large, complex, multidisciplinary projects through to post-occupancy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Awareness and understanding of 2D/3D software, including Revit and AutoCAD.

KEO’s performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its’ contribution to client success wherever we work.

We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.

About KEO International Consultants in the UAE

KEO is one of the largest and most respected engineering, architecture and project management consultancies in the Middle East, delivering landmark projects across the UAE. KEO offers rewarding careers and professional development for built-environment specialists.

Browse more engineering jobs and roles in Abu Dhabi.

How to apply

Interested candidates can apply for this Project Manager (Design) role in Abu Dhabi through the official KEO careers page. Visit the employer application page to submit your application.