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Project Controls Manager - Job Opportunity at Parsons

Abu Dhabi, AE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
USD 120,000 - 180,000 per year plus benefits package. Senior Project Controls Manager positions in Abu Dhabi's infrastructure sector typically offer tax-free compensation, housing allowances, and comprehensive benefits. The upper range reflects the 15+ years experience requirement and UAE-specific expertise, with potential for performance bonuses tied to project delivery success.

Benefits

Comprehensive wellbeing investment programs that position employees ahead of industry standards for health and personal development
Unlimited growth opportunities with clear advancement pathways that exceed traditional corporate development frameworks
Inclusive workplace culture ensuring equal representation and advancement opportunities across all demographic groups
Access to cutting-edge project management tools and technologies that enhance professional capabilities
International exposure through multinational infrastructure projects providing global career development

Key Responsibilities

Lead enterprise-wide project control strategy encompassing planning, scheduling, risk management, and change management to ensure multi-million dollar project success
Drive cross-functional leadership by providing strategic guidance to planning and risk teams while managing high-level client relationships and stakeholder communications
Architect and implement comprehensive project control frameworks, procedures, and compliance systems that become organizational standards
Facilitate strategic project control workshops to resolve complex contractor and consultant issues, directly impacting project delivery timelines
Develop integrated master schedules across multiple project packages, identifying critical path dependencies that influence overall program success
Exercise contract management authority by reviewing and approving contractor baseline schedules in accordance with Parsons standards and contract conditions
Conduct advanced risk analysis and maintain enterprise risk registers, providing foresight that prevents costly project delays and overruns
Perform sophisticated impact analysis including time impact assessments and delay analysis using industry-leading methodologies to protect project interests
Deliver executive-level progress reporting and strategic recommendations that inform senior management decision-making and ensure milestone achievement
Lead dispute resolution processes including Extension of Time claims and disruption assessments, protecting organizational interests through expert analysis
Manage cross-organizational coordination between project management consultants, contractors, and clients to maintain project alignment and resolve complex issues

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or construction management from a recognized institution

Experience

Minimum 15+ years of experience in Infrastructure projects, with min. 3 years experience in the UAE

Required Skills

Proficiency in Primavera P6 Tilos Primavera Risk Analysis Power BI Good written and oral communication skills Thorough knowledge of industry best practices and regulations
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Industry Trends

The UAE infrastructure sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Vision 2071 and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan initiatives, creating sustained demand for senior project controls professionals who can manage complex, multi-billion dollar developments. This growth is particularly pronounced in smart city infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and transportation networks, requiring professionals with advanced risk management and scheduling capabilities. Digital transformation in construction project management is accelerating adoption of integrated platforms like Primavera P6, Power BI, and advanced analytics tools. Organizations are increasingly seeking professionals who can leverage these technologies for predictive analytics, real-time reporting, and automated risk assessment, making technical proficiency in these platforms essential for competitive positioning. The Middle East construction market is consolidating around fewer, larger projects with increased complexity and international stakeholder involvement. This trend elevates the importance of project controls managers who can navigate multi-cultural teams, complex contractual frameworks, and sophisticated risk environments while maintaining strict adherence to international standards and best practices.

Role Significance

Typically manages teams of 5-15 planning engineers, risk analysts, and project controls specialists across multiple concurrent projects. Role includes matrix management responsibilities coordinating with PMCs, contractors, and client teams, effectively leading cross-functional groups of 20-50 professionals.
Senior leadership position with enterprise-wide impact and strategic decision-making authority. This role operates at the intersection of technical expertise and executive management, requiring the ability to influence organizational strategy while managing complex stakeholder relationships and multi-million dollar project outcomes.

Key Projects

Large-scale transportation infrastructure including metro systems, airports, and highway networks with budgets exceeding $500 million Smart city development projects integrating multiple infrastructure systems with complex interdependencies and advanced technology requirements Renewable energy installations including solar farms and sustainable building developments requiring specialized scheduling and risk management approaches

Success Factors

Mastery of advanced project controls methodologies combined with deep understanding of UAE construction regulations and cultural business practices, enabling effective navigation of complex stakeholder environments and regulatory requirements Exceptional analytical capabilities for conducting sophisticated delay analysis, time impact assessments, and risk modeling that can withstand legal scrutiny and protect organizational interests in dispute situations Strong leadership and communication skills essential for managing diverse, multinational teams while maintaining clear communication channels with C-level executives, government officials, and international contractors Strategic thinking ability to anticipate project risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies that prevent costly delays and maintain project profitability margins

Market Demand

High demand driven by UAE's massive infrastructure investment pipeline and limited pool of professionals with both international experience and regional expertise. The combination of technical proficiency requirements and local market knowledge creates a competitive hiring environment favoring experienced candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Primavera P6 expertise is fundamental as it serves as the primary scheduling platform for major infrastructure projects, with advanced proficiency enabling complex resource optimization and critical path analysis that directly impacts project success and profitability Risk management and analysis capabilities are essential for identifying potential project disruptions before they occur, with the ability to quantify risk impacts and develop mitigation strategies that can save millions in project costs Communication and presentation skills are crucial for managing relationships with diverse stakeholders including government officials, international contractors, and executive leadership, requiring the ability to translate complex technical information into strategic business insights

Beneficial Skills

Power BI proficiency for advanced data visualization and predictive analytics that enhance reporting capabilities and support data-driven decision making in increasingly complex project environments Knowledge of international construction standards and practices that facilitate work on multinational projects and enhance career mobility across global markets Understanding of sustainable construction practices and green building standards that align with UAE's environmental initiatives and future market demands

Unique Aspects

Role offers direct involvement in UAE's Vision 2071 infrastructure initiatives, providing exposure to some of the world's most ambitious and technologically advanced construction projects
Position requires sophisticated delay analysis capabilities including concurrent delay demonstration, a specialized skill set that positions professionals for high-value consulting opportunities
Integration of advanced analytics tools like Power BI with traditional project controls creates opportunities to develop cutting-edge competencies in construction technology
Cross-cultural team management experience in one of the world's most diverse business environments, valuable for international career development

Career Growth

3-5 years for progression to Program Director level, with accelerated advancement possible based on successful delivery of high-profile projects and demonstrated ability to manage increasingly complex portfolios

Potential Next Roles

Program Director overseeing multiple concurrent infrastructure projects with budgets exceeding $1 billion Regional Project Controls Director managing Parsons' entire Middle East portfolio Independent Project Management Consultant specializing in mega-infrastructure developments Client-side Project Development Director for government entities or major developers

Company Overview

Parsons

Parsons Corporation is a leading American technology-focused defense, intelligence, and infrastructure engineering firm with over 75 years of experience delivering complex projects worldwide. The company specializes in critical infrastructure, defense systems, and intelligence solutions, maintaining a strong presence in the Middle East with significant contracts in transportation, smart cities, and defense sectors.

Recognized as a Fortune 500 company and one of the top engineering and construction firms globally, Parsons maintains competitive positioning through technological innovation and strategic government partnerships. The company's strong financial performance and diverse project portfolio provide stability and growth opportunities for employees.
Parsons maintains a substantial Middle East presence with major offices in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, positioning the company as a key player in the region's infrastructure development. The Abu Dhabi office serves as a regional hub for major transportation and smart city projects, offering exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure developments.
Parsons emphasizes innovation, diversity, and professional development with a culture that encourages technical excellence and career advancement. The company's commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusive workplace practices creates an environment conducive to long-term career growth and professional satisfaction.
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